Four matches is not a lot to assess, especially for a Real Madrid head coach. The team’s typically flawless performances are expected in domestic matches. Alvaro Arbeloa, having taken over just weeks ago, aims for his fourth successive win against Benfica after an initial Copa del Rey defeat. Notably, despite Xabi Alonso’s prior strategies, Arbeloa has successfully incorporated both Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior into the squad, leading to three impressive victories.
“I don’t think it’s changed that much, every coach has his own way of training, but maybe something is clicking better now,” Thibaut Courtois remarked after their latest win over Villarreal.
How to watch Benfica vs. Real Madrid, odds
- Date: January 28
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Location: Estadio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Benfica +300; Draw +310; Real Madrid -125
Despite recent successes, questions remain about whether this approach will endure against tougher opponents. Benfica sits in the lower ranks of the group, needing points desperately after a rocky start under Mourinho. Arbeloa speaks highly of Mourinho, noting their enduring friendship and respect for his previous achievements at Real Madrid, where he helped rebuild the team’s foundation.
