Former Real Madrid star criticises team after loss to Benfica: ‘Won’t be solved in a day’ | OneFootball

Speaking on Cadena SER, former Real Madrid player turned commentator Alvaro Benito voiced his criticism of the team, following the shock 4-2 defeat to Benfica last night in the UEFA Champions League.

The Merengues suffered a disappointing defeat that saw them drop from third to ninth in the Champions League standings, meaning they will not directly qualify for the Round of 16 and will have to play an additional playoff round.

It was the second defeat that Real Madrid have suffered under the tenure of new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso at the helm of affairs earlier this month.

Alvaro Benito’s criticism

Talking about the performance from his former club, Benito was critical saying that this Real Madrid team was found wanting in several aspects of their game.

“Real Madrid have once again highlighted the problems that have been with them for a long time when they have been pushed,” said Benito.

“When the level rises, they are not up to it at the moment. They have lacked collective tools in terms of legs, grit, competitiveness… In duels, they have been run over,” he added.

Real Madrid came up short against Benfica. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Benito went on to state that apart from Kylian Mbappe and Thibaut Courtois, the rest of the team had been found wanting and must improve collectively.

“Mbappe, like Courtois, are players who stand out from the crowd and will perform well individually regardless of how the matches go,” he said.

“Collectively, it has been a test where you realise what you need to improve to be competitive at the highest level. The team needs to press harder and more consistently. Vinicius and Mbappe need to get the ball more often.”

However, Benito did insist that Arbeloa was not at blame for the result and that Real Madrid’s problems will take some time to be solved.

“This can’t be solved in a day, and we can’t hold Arbeloa responsible yet. Although the team has been making progress, it still has a way to go to reach the highest level,” he concluded.