Arbeloa Calls Madrid’s Champions League Exit an 'Injustice' After Camavinga Red Card

Alvaro Arbeloa described the mood in Real Madrid’s camp as one of "injustice" after Eduardo Camavinga’s red card proved costly in their Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich.

Following a 2-1 loss in the first leg, Madrid delivered a stronger performance in a thrilling second leg in Munich. Arda Guler’s brace and a goal from Kylian Mbappé leveled the aggregate score at 4-4 by halftime, with Aleksandar Pavlović and Harry Kane also scoring for Bayern.

The match turned in the second half when Camavinga, introduced as a 61st-minute substitute, received two yellow cards in eight minutes. His second booking came for time-wasting after he fouled Kane, dribbled the ball away, and then picked it up to prevent Joshua Kimmich from taking a quick free-kick.

Referee Slavko Vinčić’s decision to send off Camavinga sparked protests from Madrid players, including Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham. Arda Güler was also shown a red card after full-time whistle for foul language, as late goals from Luis Díaz and Michael Olise sealed a 6-4 aggregate win for Bayern.

Madrid have now lost both legs of a Champions League quarter-final in consecutive seasons (also against Arsenal in 2024-25), a feat they had only achieved once before (against Inter in 1966-67).

Arbeloa congratulated Bayern but emphasized his frustration over the red card, stating, "Nobody understands that a player can be sent off for an action like that. At that moment, the action is over. It is an unfair decision, and we are very hurt. I congratulate Bayern on a great tie, but we would have liked them to beat us differently. It was an inexplicable red card, which nobody understands, hence the feeling of injustice and anger."

Vinčić initially seemed unaware that Camavinga was already booked, and Arbeloa suggested the referee would not have issued the second yellow had he remembered. "The Bayern players had to remind him it was his second. That is not a yellow card. It’s even worse that he didn’t know—it’s a double mistake," Arbeloa added.

Madrid’s European exit likely ensures a second consecutive season without silverware, as they trail Barcelona by nine points in La Liga. The last time they went two seasons without winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, or the Champions League was in 2008-09 and 2009-10.

Arbeloa dismissed concerns about his future, saying, "I’ve always tried to help the club in any way I can. I’m not worried at all and will understand any decisions the club makes. I’m a man of the club—if I’m hurt, it’s for Real Madrid, not for me. We won’t win the 16th title this year, and I care very little about my future."