Trent Alexander-Arnold attitude called into question after costing Real Madrid again

• Liverpool FC News
• Features
• Trent Alexander-Arnold

Real Madrid fans criticized Trent Alexander-Arnold after a defensive error helped Celta Vigo equalize against the team in a tense LaLiga clash

Trent Alexander-Arnold was criticized after a defensive error led to Celta Vigo’s goal against Real Madrid(Image: Getty)

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s difficult debut season with Real Madrid came under fresh scrutiny after Spanish fans criticized his defending during the club’s LaLiga clash with Celta Vigo.

The England international was singled out after a defensive lapse allowed Celta Vigo to equalize during Friday’s match at the Estadio Abanca-Balaídos. The moment quickly drew attention across social media, with critics questioning Alexander-Arnold’s positioning and defensive awareness, while one former star deemed he should return to Liverpool once again.

Real Madrid had taken the lead early in the match when Aurélien Tchouaméni scored in the 11th minute. But the advantage did not last long.

Celta Vigo leveled the match in the 25th minute following a long ball that caught Alexander-Arnold out of position.

Swedish winger Williot Swedberg ran onto the pass and beat the defender before cutting inside the penalty area. Swedberg then squared the ball across goal, where striker Borja Iglesias finished to make it 1-1.

Clips of the moment spread quickly on social media, with several Real Madrid supporters questioning Alexander-Arnold’s defensive performances this season.

“Trent can’t defend to save his life,” one supporter wrote online. Another fan added, “It is ridiculous how easy it is to get past him, soon as it went down his side you just knew a chance was coming.”

“He looks so out of place on a football pitch these days,” one fan wrote, while one Liverpool fan said, “It’s the way he just gives up. Used to drive me crazy when he did it for us.

Despite the criticism surrounding the goal, Real Madrid ultimately avoided dropping points in the title race. Federico Valverde scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled in his first season at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

The late goal ensured Madrid stayed within reach of league leaders Barcelona after suffering consecutive defeats in their previous LaLiga matches.

Alexander-Arnold’s first season in Spain has been challenging at times. The 27-year-old joined Real Madrid in May 2025 after leaving Liverpool, signing a six-year contract with the Spanish giants.

The move saw him become one of the few English players to join the club in the modern era.

Injuries have disrupted his first campaign, limiting his opportunities in the starting lineup. The match against Celta Vigo marked just his eighth LaLiga start of the season, with Alexander-Arnold making 23 appearances across all competitions so far.