Just two wins away from officially recording the greatest start to a managerial spell in the club’s storied history, Arbeloa’s early impact has far outstripped expectations – even if it hasn’t been without its lows.

Arbeloa, a club legend whose playing career yielded eight major trophies between 2009 and 2016 before transitioning into coaching within Real Madrid’s academy, was thrust into first-team management in January following the departure of Xabi Alonso after a disappointing spell in charge.

His early days have been a microcosm of the challenge that comes with managing Los Blancos: a shock defeat in the Copa del Rey to second-tier Albacete on his debut could have set the tone for a fraught tenure, but what followed has been a response that even the club’s most optimistic fans might not have predicted.

Under Arbeloa, Madrid have since put together a sequence of victories that have seen them climb to the summit of La Liga, wresting the top spot from rivals and demonstrating a cohesion absent in the early weeks of his term.

A 4-1 demolition of Real Sociedad, featuring two penalties from Vinicius Junior and other standout performances, underlined a dangerous blend of attacking verve and defensive intent that supporters will hope is sustainable.

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Currently on a five-match winning run in La Liga, Arbeloa’s side sit just a pair of successes short of equalling – and potentially surpassing – the club’s best start under any manager.

The benchmark was set decades ago under Vanderlei Luxemburgo in the 2004-05 campaign, and matching it would be a remarkable accolade for someone so early in his top-flight management career.

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It’s in Europe, however, where Arbeloa’s mettle will be tested most swiftly. Madrid’s season pivoted when a late, dramatic 4-2 defeat to Benfica in the group stage – which saw Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin astonishingly score in the 98th minute – consigned them to a playoff route to the knockout stages.

That loss still stings, and Arbeloa has publicly insisted his side are focused squarely on a “complete game” and not on revenge, underscoring the preparation and focus demanded at this level.

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This tie against Benfica is more than another match; it is the gateway to Real Madrid’s Champions League ambitions and a litmus test of Arbeloa’s ability to steer the club beyond domestic momentum into European glory.

Should he guide his team to victory over the two legs, not only would he edge closer to record-setting status in La Liga, but he would also vindicate the club’s decision to entrust him with the helm.

Regardless of the outcome in Lisbon and beyond, Arbeloa’s first weeks have been defined by defying expectations and steadily forging his identity as a manager capable of steering one of football’s biggest clubs in meaningful matches.

Two wins stand between him and a record that will be talked about for generations. Whether he can seal them in the crucible of elite competition is the question now gripping supporters ahead of Tuesday’s showdown.

 

Full Champions League fixture list for knockout play-offs 

Tuesday, 17 February

• Galatasaray vs. Juventus
• Benfica vs. Real Madrid 
• Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta
• Monaco vs. Paris Saint-Germain 

Wednesday, 18 February

• Qarabag vs. Newcastle United 
• Bodo/Glimt vs. Inter Milan 
• Club Brugge vs. Atletico Madrid
• Olympiakos vs. Bayer Leverkusen 

How to watch in the USA on DAZN 

Soccer fans in the US can watch the Champions League in Spanish language as part of their DAZN subscription package.

An annual upfront payment is $224.99 , while paying monthly for 12 months is $19.99  and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.

CBS has coverage of every Champions League match in English language this season.  You can get more details and subscribe to CBS's Champions League coverage here.

Fans can watch extra Champions League games in Spanish on ViX. A selection of those matches are also available on UNIMÁS and TUDN.

• For a list of the selected Champions League fixtures to be broadcast live in the U.S. on DAZN in Spanish, click here

How to watch the Champions League in New Zealand on DAZN  

Every Champions League game during the 2025-26 season is streamed in high definition and comes as part of a DAZN subscription.

An annual subscription costs $14.99 per month for 12 months and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.

How to watch the Champions League in Canada on DAZN

Watch every game of the Champions League this season in Canada with a DAZN subscription. 

There are three subscription options, each offering a different selection of sports. Access to every Champions League match is included in all three package offerings, ranging from $29.99 to $44.99 per month (for 12 months)