Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa has said the 3-0 scoreline against Elche doesn’t reflect how hard the Los Blancos players had to work to pick up the three points.
Goals from Asier Illarramendi – his first for the club in La Liga – Gareth Bale, and Isco, secured the win that took Madrid to the top of the table. Barcelona’s defeat at Real Sociedad later on Saturday evening means Carlo Ancelotti’s men keep their three point advantage over their Catalan rivals.
Speaking after the game, Arbeloa, who filled in at left-back against Elche, said the players had to give 100% throughout the game, and the visitors had chances to make the scoreline look closer.
“It was a very difficult match, they packed the middle of the park and we found it harder than usual to squeeze them. Although the result may make it seem like an easy win, it was a very hard-fought match. You have to learn how to suffer as well. They had a chance to make it 2-1, but with the next move we made it 3-0,” he told reporters.
He was also asked about playing out of position, and stated that at this point of the season, it’s important to have players available and ready to play when called upon.
“Coentrão had a few minor problems and the coach didn’t want to risk playing him. We have played a lot during the last 90 days and the most important thing is that we are all available to play,” Arbeloa stated.
