Álvaro Arbeloa has maintained that Real Madrid will keep pushing in the La Liga 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 Barca still have a game in hand.
Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior were on target for Madrid, while Toni Martínez scored a late consolation for Alavés.
Mbappé has now netted eight goals from outside the box across all competitions this season—his best return in a single campaign and the highest among players in Europe’s top five leagues.
Madrid have also maintained a perfect record in Tuesday home fixtures in La Liga, winning all 15 such matches—the best 100% record for any team on a specific day in the competition’s history.
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 take on Celta Vigo.
The Betis clash marks the start of a three-game away run 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.”
