In anticipation of the UEFA Champions League match, Álvaro Arbeloa was keenly aware of Pep Guardiola's tendencies to employ unexpected strategies. The former player expressed his mental readiness for surprises from Guardiola, who is known for his unpredictable game plans. Arbeloa had been secretly crafting his own tactics to counter these potential surprises, leading to a carefully orchestrated plan that began to unfold in the early minutes of the match.

The match strategy involved Real Madrid's goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, executing long passes toward the right side of the field where Federico Valverde was positioned. This tactical choice, while subtle at first, quickly turned into a critical component of Real Madrid's offensive strategy. The first goal against Manchester City emerged from this plan as it caught the opposing team off-guard, showcasing the effectiveness of Arbeloa's surprise strategy.

As the game progressed, the dynamic between Courtois and Valverde illustrates a significant level of coordination and an understanding of the match's flow. This focus on long, targeted passes not only created opportunities for Valverde but also demonstrated Real Madrid's calculated approach to dismantling Manchester City's defensive setup, leading to a decisive victory and showcasing Arbeloa's foresight in game management.