Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa dismissed supporter protests at the Santiago Bernabéu after his side’s 2-0 victory over Levante cut Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga to just one point.
Before kick-off, some fans voiced their frustration by waving white handkerchiefs, while boos and whistles followed during the match.
Several players - including Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior and Federico Valverde - were targeted, along with club president Florentino Pérez.
Arbeloa himself was not spared from the criticism.
“I know where this noise is coming from,” Arbeloa said.
“It’s from people who don’t want what’s best for Real Madrid."
"I’m proud to work at a club led by a president who has shaped our history alongside Santiago Bernabéu. He’s achieved everything.”
The former defender, appointed earlier in the week following Xabi Alonso’s exit, was in charge for his first league fixture after a difficult few days that included a shock Copa del Rey defeat to second-division Albacete.
On the pitch, second-half goals from Kylian Mbappé and Raúl Asencio steadied Madrid.
Arbeloa accepted that the mood in the stadium reflected recent results but insisted it should not be overblown.
“I respect this stadium completely - I’ve been booed here before,” he said.
“The fans have the right to show their disappointment."
"It hasn’t been an easy week."
"But I don’t think the reaction towards Vinícius will last."
"High standards here are part of what drives players forward.”
Mbappé and Bellingham were restored to the starting XI, though the tension was clear early on as Bellingham was jeered despite a lively opening.
Madrid struggled for fluency before the break, managing just one effort on target.
Arbeloa responded by making changes at half-time, introducing Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono, and the hosts soon found their rhythm.
Mbappé opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 58th minute after being fouled by Adrián de la Fuente.
The Frenchman, La Liga’s top scorer with 19 goals, was among the few players to avoid criticism from the stands.
Asencio then wrapped up the win seven minutes later, rising highest to head home from a Güler corner and restore some calm inside the Bernabéu.
Real Madrid now shift focus to Europe, with Monaco visiting on Tuesday as Arbeloa looks to build momentum amid a challenging start to his reign.
