Arbeloa's Real Madrid seeking greater consistency in tense LaLiga title race

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa and star striker Kylian Mbappe both emphasize the critical need for consistency ahead of the team's LaLiga match against Valencia. Following a narrow 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, Arbeloa dismissed any notion of magical solutions, stating that only hard work and a consistent mentality from his players can secure victories.

The team's recent inconsistency was highlighted by a Champions League defeat to Benfica, where Madrid was outplayed. Mbappe expressed frustration after the loss, stressing that a champion team must perform reliably and cannot alternate between good and bad displays.

Under Arbeloa's tenure, Madrid has experienced both highs, such as a 6-1 victory over Monaco, and lows, including a Copa del Rey loss to second-tier Albacete. The shock cup exit has provided a rare midweek break, which Arbeloa plans to use for focused training to improve the team's performance.

Mbappe exemplifies the consistency he advocates, having scored 37 goals in 30 games across all competitions. In contrast, other key players like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior have been inconsistent, though they occasionally deliver moments of brilliance. Both will miss the Valencia match due to suspension and injury, potentially allowing Arbeloa to field a more stable lineup.

Madrid began the season with a strong, consistent run of wins under former coach Xabi Alonso, but form declined in the winter. Playing away at Valencia might benefit the team, as recent home wins at the Santiago Bernabeu were met with whistles and jeers from their own fans.