JAKARTA – Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa said that Eduardo Camavinga’s red card was instrumental in Real Madrid’s defeat in the Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich on Thursday, April 16, 2026, early morning WIB.
Midfielder Jude Bellingham even called the referee’s decision a joke.
Real Madrid initially took a 3-2 lead at the Allianz Arena – with the aggregate score level at 4-4 and heading into extra time. However, substitute Camavinga was sent off in the 86th minute after receiving a second yellow card from referee Slavko Vincic.
Then disaster struck. Luis Diaz gave Bayern Munich a three-minute lead and Michael Olise scored in injury time to send the hosts through with a 6-4 aggregate.
Arda Guler – who had earlier scored twice – also received a red card at the final whistle for protesting the referee.
“I think so, it’s clear (the red card determines the course of the match). You can’t send off a player for something like that. I think the referee didn’t even know that (Camavinga) had a yellow card,” Arbeloa told Movistar.
Bellingham said Camavinga’s red card was a joke when he was interviewed in the mixed zone.
“Two fouls (by Camavinga), two yellow cards,” Bellingham said briefly.
Defender Antonio Rüdiger also expressed his feelings.
“It’s better not to talk. You see it, right?” he said.
Guler put Real Madrid ahead after just 35 seconds. Then, he scored from a free kick. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe also scored before the first half break in the 45th minute of the dramatic opening.
“It was an incredible performance from the players. I’m sorry for them, for the supporters here, and those watching at home.”
“I’m sad because Real Madrid won’t win (the Champions League) this year. They have given their best,” Arbeloa said.
In a post-match press conference, Arbeloa faced a series of questions about his future, with Real Madrid knocked out of the Champions League and nine points behind leaders Barcelona in LaLiga.
“I will accept the consequences of this defeat. Since I have sat in this chair, I have always tried to help the club, in any way I can.”
“I don’t want to show my ability as a coach, but rather want to help the players on the field. We have faced many teams, Bayern Munich with (Vincent) Kompany, (Manchester) City with (Pep Guardiola), Atletico with (Diego) Simeone.”
“I don’t know how much this team still relies on me. Of course the number is much less than the example I have given.”
“I have tried to help the club and will continue to do so until the last day. I fully understand any decision the club may take,” said Arbeloa, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January 2026.
Real Madrid will then face Alaves, Real Betis, and Espanyol in LaLiga before the El Clasico match against Barcelona at Camp Nou on May 10, 2026.
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