Trent Alexander-Arnold slammed by Spanish media over latest mistake as blushes are spared late on

Trent Alexander-Arnold has faced more criticism for some questionable defending in Real Madrid’s dramatic 2-1 win over Celta Vigo.

The former Liverpool defender made a big mistake that put his side’s LaLiga title hopes at major risk at the Estadio de Balaidos.

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After Aurelien Tchouameni had put Real in front, the Spanish giants had moved to within a point of league leaders Barcelona.

But then just 14 minutes later, Alexander-Arnold‘s poor error allowed Borja Iglesias to level things up for the hosts.

A long ball was sent soaring down the channel and over the Madrid defence, with the right-back forced to chase back on what was just his eighth LaLiga start since his summer transfer.

He looked to be getting to the ball first, but instead, he opted to let Willot Swedberg cut in front of him and win possession.

The Celta Vigo midfielder then quickly burst into the box and easily shrugged off pressure from his opponent.

Alexander-Arnold, who has been subject to criticism over his defensive awareness since moving to Spain, stumbled past Swedberg, allowing him to cut back onto his right foot and simply find Iglesias to tap home.

That moment, which looked to be the cause of Real Madrid dropping more crucial points in the title race at the time, led to backlash from fans and the Spanish media alike.

Al or nothing

Spanish newspaper Marca said that Alexander-Arnold looked ‘bewildered’ and ‘lost’ as they ripped into the England international.

They wrote: “Good grief, Trent, what a defensive display from the Englishman on that goal. If you can even call it defensive. Slow, out of position, and then lost inside the box.

“This is Trent, the one who made it 1-1, played very poorly at the back, and also the one who assisted Vinicius [Junior] on the shot that hit the post. Whether he has the ball or not, it’s a completely different story.”

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Marca then added at half-time: “He contributes a lot in attack, but also takes a lot away in defence.

“He was incredibly weak on Celta’s equaliser. Swedberg got behind him, then lost his position in the race. He failed to cut inside and conceded a back pass that Borja Iglesias capitalised on. 

‘His overall performance included a goal ‘gifted’ in both defence and attack, a great long ball that set up Vinicius in a one-on-one with Radu.”

Trent’s blushes spared

Fortunately for Alexander-Arnold, his blushes were spared thanks to a last-gasp winner from Federico Valverde.

In the fourth minute of added time, Valverde benefited from a huge stroke of luck to grab a pivotal three points for Real Madrid.

And Alexander-Arnold was partially involved, with his ball into the box being cleared away to find his teammate on the edge.

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The Uruguayan midfielder then unleashed a strike after a good first touch, seeing it bounce home after a couple of deflections.

Real’s win over Celta Vigo puts them one point behind bitter rivals Barcelona, who play Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

The two El Clasico foes are clear in the race for glory this season, sitting over ten points ahead of third-placed Atletico Madrid.