Federico Valverde has bemused Real Madrid fans with his claim about the performance put in by the team in a 2-1 win over nine-man Rayo Vallecano. Los Blancos needed an 100th minute penalty from Kylian Mbappe to seal all three points on Sunday.
Vinicius Junior had given the hosts the lead inside a hostile Estadio Bernabeu after Jude Bellingham was forced off with a hamstring injury. But the visitors pulled level in the second half courtesy of Jorge de Frutos' equalizer.
Rayo were down to ten men when Pathe Ciss was sent off and Madrid pushed for a winner in the dying embers. That came through Mbappe from the spot before Pep Chavarria recieved a second yellow card and a subsequent red right at the death.
Federico Valverde on Real Madrid's performance
Valverde is usually honest when assessing himself and his team but he gave a controversial analysis of today's game. The Uruguayan midfielder told reporters (via Managing Madrid):
“We were coming off a tough defeat; no one ever wants to lose in the Champions League, it’s the competition many of us dream of winning. We had to change that image, and today we had our first chance to redeem ourselves. And I think we played a great match.”
The first half was a frustrating one despite Madrid being ahead as they almost coasted to half-time. It wasn't the kind of statement-making performance to be expected after a midweek loss to Benfica in the Champions League.
Rayo got themselves back into the game and nearly took the lead but Thibuat Courtois was on hand to deny Andrei Ratiu with his feet. It wasn't until the visitors went down to 10 men that Arbeloa's men truly turned the pressure on.
A win is a win but Valverde's description of the performance being 'great' has raised a few eyebrows. His side turn their attention to Valencia next weekend and they will be without the injured Bellingham and the suspended Vinicius at the Mestalla.
Arbeloa on Valverde's comments
Arbeloa seemed hesitant to agree with Valverde about his team's display, although he was pleased with the effort shown by his troops. The caretaker manager told reporters (via Madrid Zone):
“Fede Valverde said we had a great game? I saw great effort from my players. I’ll stick to that. I’m satisfied with the players’ effort.”
🚨🗣️ Alvaro Arbeloa: “Fede Valverde said we had a great game?
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) February 1, 2026
I saw great effort from my players. I’ll stick to that.
I’m satisfied with the players’ effort.” pic.twitter.com/3k6akBmN2z
Madrid moved back to within a point of leaders Barcelona in the La Liga title race following the Catalans' 3-1 win over Elche on Saturday. A win was vital not just because of their title aspirations but also the damage defeat to Benfica has done.
Arbeloa looked to have overseen a resurgance as of late but the performance away in Portugal was one of the worst this season. It meant that Los Blancos have to go it again with Jose Mourinho's side in the playoffs.