Alvaro Arbeloa has said Real Madrid will keep pushing in the LaLiga title race “until there are mathematically no opportunities.”
Los Blancos reduced the gap to leaders FC Barcelona to six points after a 2-1 win over Deportivo Alavés on Tuesday, although Barcelona still have a game in hand.
Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior found the net for Madrid, while Toni Martínez scored a late consolation for Alavés.
Mbappé has now scored eight goals from outside the box this season across all competitions (43 matches), his highest in a single campaign and the most among players in Europe’s top five leagues this season.
Madrid have also maintained a perfect record in a unique stat, winning all 15 of their home matches played on a Tuesday in LaLiga—a 100% record unmatched in the competition’s history for a specific day.
Despite Barcelona being strong favourites, with Opta giving Hansi Flick’s side a 96.3% chance of retaining the title, Arbeloa remains defiant.
“It doesn’t matter what’s at stake for me, what matters is what’s at stake for Real Madrid,” he said.
“Until there are mathematically no opportunities, there is a league. Until then we will continue fighting for it.”
Madrid next face Real Betis away on Friday, while Barcelona could extend their lead when they take on Celta Vigo.
The Betis clash marks the start of a challenging three-game away stretch for Madrid, ending with a potentially decisive showdown against Barcelona on May 10.
“We have three consecutive away games, all of them difficult, like all away games, but these three will be even more,” Arbeloa added.
“We have to make a big effort if we want to achieve anything in Seville.
“Alaves had a lot at stake; we were coming off a big disappointment, and it was the first match. It wasn’t going to be easy.
“Now we’re looking ahead to the match in Seville against a great rival in a great stadium.”
