ESPN FC Gab & Juls Show: Will Arbeloa last the season as Real Madrid manager?
Jan 29, 2026
They break down Benfica’s shock win over Real Madrid and the chaotic defensive collapse that followed. Debate whether Arbeloa can steady Real Madrid amid turmoil. Cover dramatic comebacks at Chelsea and Bayern, Musiala’s return, Bodo/Glimt’s fairytale run, and multiple late-match dramas across Europe.
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Last-Second Urgency Changed Qualification
- Benfica's late extra goal requirement forced an urgent attacking shift that changed the game's outcome.
- Julien Laurens and Gab Marcotti argue Real Madrid lacked coherence despite having top players like Mbappé and Courtois.
Goalkeeper Header Seals Benfica's Place
- Anatoliy Trubin, a 24-year-old goalkeeper, scored with a dramatic header in stoppage time to seal Benfica's qualification.
- Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens described the celebration and compared the moment to historic goalkeeper goals.
Defensive Habits Caused The Lucky Goal
- Real Madrid showed a shocking defensive breakdown on the final free kick with poor positioning and habit-driven mistakes.
- Both hosts say this reflects deeper issues in team leadership and match preparation under Álvaro Arbeloa.