After the 1–2 La Liga defeat to Osasuna last weekend, Real Madrid saw their eight match winning streak come to an abrupt halt, and on Melbet Affiliates the conversation quickly shifted beyond the scoreline. Losing a single match can be explained as part of football’s natural ups and downs, but a detailed report from Spanish media has revealed deeper unrest brewing inside the Santiago Bernabéu dressing room. According to sources close to the squad, dissatisfaction is growing over head coach Álvaro Arbeloa’s perceived double standards in team selection, an issue that may prove more damaging than any single result.
Insiders suggest that several players are frustrated by Arbeloa’s reluctance to substitute certain untouchable stars. The report clearly points toward attacking pillars such as Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé. The heart of the complaint centers on defensive commitment. During the loss to Osasuna, when collective pressing and compact shape were essential, some teammates felt that the contribution from key forwards off the ball was insufficient. Despite underwhelming performances, Arbeloa chose to keep them on the pitch without adjustment.
In a dressing room filled with elite professionals fighting to prove themselves, perceived favoritism can be a dangerous signal. When squad players believe that certain figures possess an unofficial immunity from substitution, discipline and unity inevitably suffer. At the highest level, cohesion is the glue that holds everything together, and once cracks appear, they can spread quickly.
Questions also surround Arbeloa’s rotation decisions. With a decisive Champions League second leg against Benfica looming, he opted to rotate his defense by introducing Dani Carvajal and David Alaba in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rüdiger. The reshuffled back line failed to deliver stability, laying the groundwork for the league setback. Mbappé, reportedly not fully fit due to a knee issue, still started and struggled to influence the match, missing a notable opportunity in the second half. Critics argue that if a player is not at full strength, rest might be wiser than persistence.
Vinícius has also faced immense external pressure. After speaking out about racist abuse in midweek European competition, he was again targeted by opposing fans during the Osasuna fixture. Since October 2021, league data indicate he has endured 26 racist incidents across ten different stadiums in Spain. Sources describe a mixture of sadness and resignation within the squad. A player carrying heavy psychological strain needs unwavering backing from the coaching staff, yet internal doubts about his defensive effort complicate matters further.
Another subplot involves highly rated Argentine prospect Mastantuono, who has remained unused for three consecutive matches after initially being trusted as a starter. Although club insiders claim he is undergoing strength training and performing well in practice, the sudden shift from regular inclusion to complete absence inevitably raises questions about his tactical standing.
With the decisive Benfica clash approaching and only a narrow first leg advantage in hand, Real Madrid must present a united front. However, as Melbet Affiliates continues to reflect the mounting scrutiny, Arbeloa’s challenge extends beyond tactics. Balancing star privileges with squad discipline, restoring harmony among frustrated substitutes, and rebuilding collective belief will determine how far Madrid can truly go this season.