Why Benfica tie is pivotal for Arbeloa and Real MadridImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Alvaro Arbeloa played for Liverpool (2007-2009) and West Ham (2016-2017) during his careerByElizabeth ConwaySpanish football reporterPublished28 minutes agoAlvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid tenure is only five weeks old – but Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Benfica already feels like it could be a defining night for the fledgling boss.The 43-year-old replaced Xabi Alonso last month and, despite no official confirmation, sources close to both the club and Arbeloa told BBC Sport he has a contract until the end of next season.Real knew the appointment of a head coach with no top-level managerial experience was risky. And after a slow start for Arbeloa and a less than positive reception from supporters, they quickly started planning for potential replacements – including former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca – in case another change was needed.But after six wins from their past seven matches, there is a new feeling of calm among the Real hierarchy with the club top of La Liga. However, Arbeloa will know failure in Europe would pile the pressure back on once again.Real’s only loss in those seven games came against Benfica, when a sensational 4-2 victory by Jose Mourinho’s side left Los Blancos needing a play-off against the same opponents to stay in the competition they have won six times in 12 years.
Of course there is a second leg at home to come on Wednesday, 25 February, but failing to reach at least the last 16 – for the first time in more than three decades – is unthinkable for the Real faithful.
