Gonzalo García

Istra 1961 · 0 yrs

Arbeloa’s old Mbappé tweet resurfaces amid Real Madrid controversy: ‘He’s like young Luke Skywalker’

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

After the disagreement between Alvaro Arbeloa and Kylian Mbappé, an old tweet from the Real Madrid manager about the player resurfaced. Fans do not have much time to read good news about their club as Real Madrid goes from one scandal to another. Kylian Mbappé was the one who unexpectedly started this latest issue with Álvaro Arbeloa over his benching. However, an old tweet from the manager has resurfaced. Arbeloa wrote: “Mbappé is like young Luke Skywalker. You know that sooner or later he’ll dominate the world. He’s a beast!” Fans dug it up because it was posted on June 20, 2018, when the Frenchman was dazzling as a teenager at the World Cup his country won with him as the main attacking player. It was a curious reminder of what Arbeloa thinks of Mbappé as a player. However, it is very possible that the manager is now tired of the player’s antics, especially after the two gave different versions of the conversation they had before the match against Real Oviedo. Mbappé es como el joven Luke Skywalker. Sabes que tarde o temprano dominará el mundo.¡Es una bestia!— Álvaro Arbeloa (@aarbeloa17) June 30, 2018 Arbeloa-Mbappé incident This was not a dispute like the one last week between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, which left the Uruguayan out for 10 to 14 days. It was a difference in what they told the media after the win. The player said Arbeloa left him out of the lineup because he was the fourth forward behind Franco Mastantuono, Vinicius and Gonzalo García, which was a question for the manager. When Arbeloa was asked about what Mbappé had said minutes earlier, he reacted with surprise and said he did not say that phrase to Mbappé, turning it into another scandal. The final matches Real Madrid must finish the season in a more respectable way after failing to win a title despite the club’s history. While they will not move from second place behind Barcelona, they need to get wins to calm their fans a bit. Their final matches are against Sevilla away and Athletic Club at home.

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‘Very grateful for all the support’ – Real Madrid youngster reacts after stealing spotlight vs Oviedo

sports.yahoo.com · 4 weeks ago

Gonzalo Garcia was one of the few positives for Real Madrid during their tense 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo, with the academy striker taking his opportunity in front of the home supporters.The young f...

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Real Madrid player ratings against Real Oviedo: Gonzalo Garcia leads from the front

sports.yahoo.com · 4 weeks ago

Real Madrid bounced back from their defeat in El Clasico at the weekend to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Real Oviedo, with Gonzalo Garcia and Jude Bellingham getting the goals.Thibaut Co...

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Kylian Mbappe’s ‘fourth forward’ claim at Real Madrid denied by coach Alvaro Arbeloa

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

Kylian Mbappe has been drawn in the eye of the storm once again, claiming that Alvaro Arbeloa told him he was Real Madrid's "fourth forward," a statement quickly denied by the coach. Kylian Mbappe has sparked another controversy at a Real Madrid side that has been unable to find any peace in the final stretch of the 2025-26 season, claiming that Alvaro Arbeloa told him he was the “fourth forward” in the squad. The Spanish coach was quick to fire back, flatly denying the Frenchman’s account in yet another episode of turbulence at the club. Real Madrid were hosting Real Oviedo on Thursday in a La Liga fixture, with FC Barcelona already crowned champions following their El Clasico victory over the weekend. Mbappe, who had been absent from the squad for the Barcelona match, was included in the group for the Oviedo game but was left out of the starting lineup by Arbeloa. The coach opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with Gonzalo Garcia and Vinicius Junior leading the attack and Brahim Diaz and Franco Mastantuono operating on the wings. Mbappe came off the bench in the 69th minute to replace Gonzalo and made an immediate impact, assisting Jude Bellingham’s goal in the 80th minute to seal a 2-0 victory, but his mood in the aftermath was anything but celebratory. Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Mbappé explained his position on the bench directly: “I’m doing very well. At 100%. I didn’t start because the coach told me that, for him, I am the fourth forward in the squad, behind Vinícius, Mastantuono, and Gonzalo. I accept it and I play the time that I’m given. We played well, and I gave an assist to Jude. We won, and it’s important to win at home.“ 🗣️ Kylian Mbappé: "No he jugado porque el míster me ha dicho que para él soy el cuarto delantero de la plantilla".📺 Sigue EN DIRECTO 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝙎𝙤𝙡𝙤 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙪́𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨, en Teledeporte y @rtveplay: https://t.co/56x6E4YT2r pic.twitter.com/YPI0XHFZHQ— Teledeporte (@teledeporte) May 14, 2026 When pressed on whether he had any issue with being assigned that role, Mbappe directed the question back to the manager. “Ask the ‘mister’ (the coach). What do you want me to tell you? I was ready to be a starter, but it’s his decision and I cannot be angry with him. You have to respect it. I have to work together and work hard to be a starter,” he declared in the mixed zone. Mbappe on missing El Clasico and the reception from fans Mbappe’s Italian getaway during his injury recovery had already drawn criticism in recent weeks, forcing him to address the situation publicly. His last-minute withdrawal from El Clasico only deepened the frustration among supporters, who made their feelings clear when he came on against Oviedo, greeting his entrance from the bench with a cascade of whistles from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd. Addressing the moment directly, Mbappé did not shy away from the subject: “It was a shame for me not to play in the Clásico. That’s life. We cannot change people’s opinions. It’s just how they see things, and I don’t take it personally. I’ve had moments in my career where I’ve been whistled. It’s part of the business and part of life. Sometimes they aren’t happy, but they are always here (supporting).“ 😳🇫🇷 Atención a los SILBIDOS PARA KYLIAN MBAPPÉ al ingresar al Santiago Bernabéu. pic.twitter.com/8Kh6PLuQ9T— Sudanalytics (@sudanalytics_) May 14, 2026 Arbeloa denies Mbappé’s account Because Mbappe’s comments came before Arbeloa’s post-match press conference, the coach was given a direct opportunity to respond, and he wasted no time doing so. “I did not say such a phrase to him; he must not have understood correctly. I decide who plays as long as I am sitting in this chair; I don’t care if they disagree, no matter what their name is. And if not, let them wait for the next coach. I wish I had four forwards; I don’t know what to tell you because I don’t even have four forwards, nor have I said such a phrase to him,” Arbeloa said as soon as he sat down in the Bernabwu press room. The Spanish coach

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VIDEO: Gonzalo Garcia opens scoring for Real Madrid amid strong Bernabeu boos

sports.yahoo.com · 4 weeks ago

Real Madrid have had a difficult evening so far against Real Oviedo, but amid a toxic atmosphere at the Bernabeu, they have opened the scoring just before the half time interval.Alvaro Arbeloa’s sid...

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Borussia Dortmund pushing to sign Real Madrid forward; discussions with his agent already underway

sports.yahoo.com · 4 weeks ago

As per Mundo Deportivo, Borussia Dortmund have stepped up their interest in Gonzalo Garcia, with discussions already underway between the German club and the representatives of the Real Madrid forward...

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Confirmed lineups for Barcelona vs Real Madrid in 2025-26 LaLiga clash

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Barcelona and Real Madrid face off in the last El Clásico of the 2025-26 LaLiga season. Far from being an easy game, this matchup will determine the league champion. For this reason, both teams will field their best starting lineups, despite the absences of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé. In the midst of a rather inconsistent season, Barcelona and Real Madrid face each other in the final Clásico of the 2025–26 campaign. Although neither managed to shine in the UEFA Champions League, today’s match will decide the LaLiga winner, making it the most important game for both teams. With this in mind, both sides will field their strongest lineups, despite the significant absences of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. Under the influence of Hansi Flick, the Blaugranas have become one of the best teams in the world. With their dominant playing style and tactical versatility, they have been quite consistent in LaLiga, sitting as sole leaders. As Lamine Yamal will not be available due to injury, head coach may bet on Marcus Rashford as Raphinha is not with competitive rhythm. Moreover, Fermín López and Dani Olmo may hold a key role to bolster the creative side. Despite Álvaro Arbeloa arriving as the supposed savior of los Blancos’ season, they have not managed to reverse their poor run of form. Not only have they failed to establish a defined playing style, but they have also struggled defensively. In addition, Kylian Mbappé’s absence could significantly impact their attacking output, leaving everything in the hands of Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, the team’s two cornerstones. While Real Madrid are eleven points behind the top of LaLiga, they need a victory in today’s match. In the event of a draw or a defeat, the Blaugrana would be crowned league winners in El Clásico, which would be painful as they have now gone two consecutive seasons without winning a trophy. Because of this, Barcelona are expected to impose their strong control of the game, while Los Blancos will look to exploit their opponents’ serious defensive issues to find goals. Pedri of FC Barcelona controls the ball whilst under pressure from Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid. Barcelona lineup vs Real Madrid Unlike Real Madrid, Barcelona arrive into today’s game with just Lamine Yamal’s absence. While the 18-year-old’s absence is sensitive, head coach Hansi Flick hold players on plein form like Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo that may lead the offense. Moreover, Raphinha has already recovered from his injury, but his lack of competitive rhythm may lead him to be benched. Nonetheless, Marcus Rashford may also play a key role. Considering this, the Blaugranas will lineup as follows: Joan Garcia; Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo; Gavi, Pedri; Marcus Rashford, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo; Ferran Torres. Real Madrid lineup vs Barcelona Real Madrid aren’t having their best season in recent years. Not only is their style of play lacking spark, but they’re also dealing with numerous absences. As a result, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa will be without Arda Güler, Kylian Mbappé, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo Goes, Eder Militao, Dani Ceballos, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy. With this in mind, los Blancos will be forced to make radical changes to their lineup, relying on Vinicius Jr. as their main offensive hope. With this in mind, los Blancos will play as follows: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, Fran García; Brahim Diaz, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham; Vinicius Jr, Gonzalo Garcia.

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Why isn’t Kylian Mbappé playing today for Real Madrid vs Barcelona in 2025-26 LaLiga clash?

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Barcelona and Real Madrid face off in El Clásico, a crucial match that will determine the 2025-26 LaLiga champion. After a disappointing season, los Blancos are looking for a key victory to quell the criticism. However, Kylian Mbappé will not be playing, leaving a significant gap in the offense. Barcelona have managed to become as one of the best teams in the world, shining throughout the 2025–26 LaLiga season. With this in mind, they face Real Madrid in the highly anticipated El Clásico, in a clash that will determine the league champion. Nevertheless, Los Blancos will not make things easy, as are going through a disappointing season. Despite this, Kylian Mbappé will not be available, leaving serious doubts from a scoring standpoint. Kylian Mbappé has been left out of Real Madrid’s squad list. Even though he had supposedly passed the medical tests a few days ago, he has not managed to fully recover from his torn muscle fiber, causing him to miss El Clásico. In addition to this, the French forward left the team’s latest training session in the final five minutes after feeling discomfort, leaving everyone surprised, reveals Diario Marca. Given the Frenchman’s absence, Real Madrid‘s Álvaro Arbeloa could stick with the same approach he used against Espanyol, betting on Brahim Díaz and Jude Bellingham in the attack. Complementing the offense, Vinicius Jr. would occupy the left side of midfield, controlling the entire flank and looking to create space in Barcelona’s defense. While this approach has already worked in previous matches, the absence of Kylian Mbappé’s scoring power could prove quite decisive. Without Mbappé’s presence, Vinicius Jr. could once again have complete freedom of movement, recalling his best periods with Los Blancos before the Frenchman arrived at the club. In addition, he has proven to be key to the team’s collective play, meaning he could not only make an impact from a scoring standpoint again, but also elevate Brahim, Bellingham, or even Gonzalo García if he comes on as a substitute during the LaLiga match. Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid. Real Madrid face seven additional absentees vs Barcelona Real Madrid have not had their best season, being eliminated from the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League and sitting in second place, 11 points behind Barcelona. Along with the limited impact of head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, Los Blancos have suffered a significant wave of injuries that has prevented them from performing at their best. Far from improving toward the end of the season, they still maintain eight major absences for El Clásico. Arbeloa will not be able to count on Arda Güler, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo Goes, Éder Militão, Dani Ceballos, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy. Because of this, they will be forced to make major changes to their squad, losing most of their key figures across every area of the pitch. Nevertheless, Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham’s presence could prove decisive to chase a victory today, as they have already shown to be crucial from an offensive standpoint.

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Kylian Mbappe’s absence vs Barcelona could benefit Real Madrid as eye-opening stat emerges

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Three days before their showdown against Barcelona, Real Madrid are still monitoring Kylian Mbappe’s situation closely. Barcelona and Real Madrid will face off this Sunday in a new edition of El Clasico, a match that could go down in history if Los Blaugranas secure either a win or a draw that clinches the La Liga title. Against that backdrop, Kylian Mbappe’s availability remains uncertain, something that could strangely end up benefiting Los Blancos. The French forward missed Real Madrid’s last match, a 2-0 victory over Espanyol last Sunday in La Liga. The absence was due to a muscle injury, leaving him questionable for El Clasico. It’s still unclear whether he will be available and, if so, whether he would start or come off the bench. However, despite what might initially seem obvious, Real Madrid may actually be better off without their star player fully involved. Statistics show that in the last six matches in which Real Madrid had Mbappe in the starting lineup, they managed to win only once. That could simply be viewed as evidence of the struggles experienced by Alvaro Arbeloa’s side this season rather than an issue specifically related to the French forward, if not for another revealing statistic: with Mbappe absent or coming off the bench, Real Madrid won seven of their last eight matches. Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach of Real Madrid. Real Madrid’s record with and without Mbappe Hampered by different physical issues since late 2025, Kylian Mbappe has missed several Real Madrid matches in recent months. The team initially struggled without him to the point of being eliminated from the Copa del Rey, but later appeared to find a formula for success even without their biggest star. The last eight matches without Mbappe in the starting lineup include victories over Manchester City in both legs and one against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League, as well as wins against Celta Vigo, Elche, Atletico Madrid and Espanyol in La Liga. The only blemish on that run was the March 2 loss to Getafe. On the other hand, when the French star started matches, results were far less convincing. Real Madrid lost both matches against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals, in addition to a La Liga defeat against Mallorca. They also drew against Real Betis and Girona. The only victory during that stretch with Mbappe in the starting lineup came on April 21 against Alaves. How have Real Madrid replaced Mbappe? Given Mbappe’s recurring injury absences throughout the year, Alvaro Arbeloa has been forced to look for solutions to replace him. The most obvious option was Gonzalo Garcia, the backup center forward available on the roster, and he has indeed been one of the alternatives used by the coach. However, in most cases Arbeloa opted for a different approach: moving Vinicius Junior into a more central attacking role instead of his usual position as a left winger, giving him the freedom to occupy spaces as he saw fit. In many of those matches, the Brazilian star was also partnered in attack by Brahim Diaz.

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Kylian Mbappé could be ready to face Barcelona as Real Madrid star has reportedly passed his medical exams

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Kylian Mbappé appeared set to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a muscle tear. However, the French forward now seems increasingly likely to face Barcelona, as Real Madrid star reportedly passed his medical examinations successfully. Amid a disappointing season for Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé has still managed to establish as one of the best forwards in the world. However, a muscle tear initially appeared to bring his season to an end, weakening the scoring side. After several weeks on the sidelines, the French striker could now be ready to face Barcelona. As per a recent report, he has reportedly passed medical tests, nearing him to a return on field. According to Abraham P. Romero, via El Mundo ES, Kylian Mbappé has passed the tests carried out by Real Madrid. Not only did he complete part of the group training session, but he also performed individual work, gym sessions, and physiotherapy exercises. Following these positive developments, the French forward could be ready to play against Barcelona, either as a starter or from the bench, providing a major boost to the team’s attack. Kylian Mbappé is facing heavy criticism. Despite this, he has remained a key figure in the attack, scoring 41 goals in 41 matches and standing as the team’s top scorer this season. However, his lack of chemistry with Vinicius Jr. has raised serious doubts over whether bringing him back immediately is the best option, or if they should instead rely on Gonzalo García, who appears to have a stronger understanding with the Brazilian star, who is already in full physical condition. Despite the growing doubts, Mbappé’s presence for Los Blancos could be completely decisive, as Vinicius Jr. has shown he is capable of adapting his game and contributing creatively. Far from being an easy match, they are chasing a crucial victory to prevent Barcelona from clinching the LaLiga title in El Clásico. Because of this, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa could indeed count on his presence, whether as a starter or from the bench. Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid runs with the ball while under pressure from Ricardo Rodriguez of Real Betis. Real Madrid’s Álvaro Arbeloa still face six key absentees vs. Barcelona Throughout the 2025–26 season, Real Madrid have faced a major problem: Injuries. Neither under Xabi Alonso nor Álvaro Arbeloa did the team manage to improve in this area, with several key players ruled out for long stretches of the campaign. Although Thibaut Courtois and Kylian Mbappé now appear set to join the squad that will face Barcelona, Los Blancos still have six major absences that could significantly affect the team. Head coach Álvaro Arbeloa will be unable to rely on Arda Güler, Éder Militão, Rodrygo Goes, Dani Ceballos, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy, as all are dealing with serious injuries. Because of this, the team will be forced to make adjustments to the rotation, likely repeating the lineup that impressed against RCD Espanyol, with only Mbappé and Courtois remaining as doubts. Nevertheless, much of the hope is placed on Vinicius Jr., who arrives in excellent form.

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Report: Thibaut Courtois may be ready to join Real Madrid squad facing Barcelona in LaLiga clash

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

In the midst of a disappointing season, Real Madrid have suffered the significant absence of Thibaut Courtois. However, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has reportedly recovered the Belgian goalkeeper, who is preparing to start against Barcelona in the LaLiga clash. In the midst of a disappointing season, Real Madrid have suffered significant injury absences, affecting their consistency. One of the most sensitive losses has been Thibaut Courtois. While Andriy Lunin has been solid, the Belgian star’s absence has been strongly felt, with a lack of security between the posts. However, the 33-year-old goalkeeper is reportedly close to rejoining the squad to face Barcelona in LaLiga clash. According to Abraham P. Romero, via El Mundo ES, Thibaut Courtois has returned to Real Madrid training, completing it without any issues. With this, the Belgian goalkeeper appears to have put his muscle tear injury behind him and is expected to start in El Clásico against Barcelona in LaLiga. Following his return, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa regains one of the undisputed leaders of the dressing room, aiming for a crucial victory. With Courtois back, Los Blancos hope to avoid a defeat and prevent Barcelona from being crowned league champions in El Clásico, avoiding a humiliating outcome. However, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa will need to maintain a solid defensive structure, something that has been significantly weakened following Éder Militão’s absence. Despite this, they could rely on Vinícius Jr.’s strong form as their main hope of securing victory. Kylian Mbappé in doubt as Real Madrid face Barcelona with absentees After being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and sitting 11 points behind the top of LaLiga, Real Madrid are having a thoroughly disappointing season. Despite this, they need to finish the campaign with a run of victories, aiming to avoid seeing Barcelona crowned champions in El Clásico. To do so, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa faces a difficult challenge, as he regains Courtois, but there are serious doubts over Kylian Mbappé along with two other key absences. Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid looks dejected. Kylian Mbappé’s availability remains uncertain, as he underwent a fitness test today, May 4, and will do so again on Wednesday to determine whether he can feature in El Clásico, reports Abraham P. Romero via El Mundo ES. With this situation, Los Blancos could lose their top scorer, once again turning to Gonzalo García, who had a strong performance against Espanyol, forming a solid partnership with Vinícius Jr. in attack. Head coach Álvaro Arbeloa will also be unable to count on Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal. While the Frenchman will be out for five months following surgery, the Spaniard will miss two weeks and is expected to return for the final match against Athletic Bilbao, reports Fabrizio Romano via X. In addition, Real Madrid will also be without Arda Güler, Rodrygo Goes, and Éder Militão, leaving them significantly limited ahead of their clash against Barcelona in LaLiga.

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