Alvaro Arbeloa refuses to surrender as injury-hit Real Madrid keep title dream alive

Madrid travel to Celta Vigo today determined to respond after slipping four points behind leaders Barcelona in the title race. Arbeloa remained defiant ahead of the match, stressing that the season was far from over.

"We're four points behind, not 18," Arbeloa said. "This is Real Madrid. As long as we can mathematically fight, we will. And if a time comes when we cannot fight, we will still keep fighting."

The Spanish giants lost their grip on top spot after a defeat away to Osasuna two weeks ago, before suffering another blow with a home loss to Getafe last weekend. The back-to-back defeats intensified scrutiny on Arbeloa, who stepped into the role earlier this year.

Despite the criticism, the Madrid coach insisted the focus inside the dressing room remained firmly on the next match.

"In the dressing room we know there is still a lot of the season left," he explained. "We've had two consecutive league defeats and at a club like Real Madrid that is always difficult because of the expectations and pressure. Right now, though, the only thing we're thinking about is tomorrow's match."

Madrid's problems have been compounded by injuries to several key players. Rodrygo suffered a serious knee injury against Getafe and joined Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao on the sidelines. Defender Dean Huijsen also missed the Celta clash through suspension.

Arbeloa refused to hide behind those setbacks.

"When you're winning and everyone is playing well, it's easy to wear this shirt," he said. "Now we need to show our true potential. Moments like this show if we are worthy of wearing this shirt and this badge."

Real Madrid also have one eye on a major European test, with Manchester City due to visit the Santiago Bernabeu next week for the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie.

Mbappe travelled to Paris for treatment on his knee injury, while Bellingham continued recovery work in London. Arbeloa confirmed the club's medical staff would decide whether either player would be fit to face City.

For now, the Madrid coach's message was clear - the title race was not over yet.

"As long as there's a chance," Arbeloa said, "Real Madrid will keep fighting."