Álvaro Arbeloa is already looking ahead to the decisive second leg against Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16. Despite Real Madrid’s convincing 3-0 victory in the first leg, the coach has insisted that the tie is far from over.

The return match will take place on Tuesday in England, but before that Madrid must face Elche in La Liga on Saturday. According to Marca, Arbeloa is planning to rotate his squad for that match in order to keep key players fresh for the crucial European clash.

Several important figures could be rested, including Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antonio Rüdiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Federico Valverde, and even goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

In their place, players who have had fewer starting opportunities this season could be given a chance to prove themselves. Options such as Andriy Lunin, Dani Carvajal, Fran García, Gonzalo García, and Manuel Ángel could receive valuable minutes against Elche.

Even with the upcoming Champions League clash in mind, Real Madrid cannot afford to lose focus domestically. The team is currently chasing Barcelona, who sit four points ahead at the top of La Liga, meaning any dropped points could further complicate the title race.

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