Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has admitted his side faces a serious challenge ahead of Saturday's trip to Villarreal, with old defensive problems resurfacing at a critical point in the season.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior were in scintillating form as Real Madrid celebrated a comprehensive 6-1 victory over AS Monaco in what was Alvaro Arbeloa's first Champions League game in charge.
Real Madrid beat Levante after back-to-back cup defeats whilst Mallorca edged nine-man Athletic Club in an action-packed weekend of La Liga action.
Alvaro Arbeloa has called on Real Madrid supporters to stand together with the team after what he described as a deeply disappointing week, as he prepared for his first La Liga match in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu against Levante.
Alvaro Arbeloa took full responsibility after Real Madrid were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Albacete on Wednesday, admitting the defeat on his first night in charge was "painful" for everyone connected to the club.
Alvaro Arbeloa's first game in charge of Real Madrid ended with a shock 3-2 defeat to struggling Segunda Division side Albacete in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday.