Alvaro Arbeloa Slams Franco Mastantuono After Real Madrid’s Defeat To Getafe

Franco Mastantuono reacting during Real Madrid vs Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu

Álvaro Arbeloa has publicly criticised Franco Mastantuono following Real Madrid C.F.’s shock 1-0 home defeat to Getafe CF in La Liga.

The loss leaves Madrid trailing FC Barcelona by four points in the title race — and Mastantuono’s late red card has only deepened the crisis.

“It’s Unacceptable”

The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Mastantuono was shown a straight red card for allegedly using abusive language towards referee Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz.

Arbeloa did not hold back in his post-match assessment.

“It’s unacceptable. The Mastantuono thing cannot happen,” he said.
“Huijsen and Carreras’ yellow cards are part of the game. But we’re going to have three very important players out in Vigo.”

The dismissal compounds Madrid’s selection issues, with Mastantuono now joining suspended defenders Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen ahead of the trip to Celta Vigo.

Bernabeu Frustration

The Santiago Bernabéu grew increasingly tense as Madrid failed to respond to Martín Satriano’s stunning first-half volley that handed Getafe the lead.

Despite dominating possession and creating clearer chances — with Vinícius Júnior, Antonio Rüdiger and Rodrygo all missing opportunities — Madrid could not find an equaliser.

Arbeloa accepted responsibility for the defeat.

“We had clearer chances than Getafe. It’s true that we can play better. I can’t fault my players for their effort. The responsibility for improving our play is mine. If anyone is responsible for the defeat, it’s me.”

Officiating Under Scrutiny

The Madrid boss also voiced frustration over the match’s stop-start nature, suggesting the referee allowed too many interruptions that disrupted his team’s rhythm.

Getafe, managed by José Bordalás, are known for their physical and disruptive style — something Arbeloa hinted worked in their favour.

“There were many interruptions. The referee allowed a game where the focus was on not playing. But I have no criticism of Getafe because they do what they’re allowed to do.”

Title Race Pressure Mounts

With Barcelona now four points clear, the margin for error is shrinking rapidly.

Mastantuono’s red card not only costs Madrid a promising young talent for the next fixture — it also highlights the growing tension within a squad chasing silverware under mounting pressure.

For Arbeloa, the message was clear: discipline cannot slip at this stage of the season.

Abdul Noah Ocholi