Alvaro Arbeloa insists he respects the rights of Real Madrid supporters to whistle the team after his side needed a late penalty to beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1 on Sunday.

Madrid were heading for a frustrating draw against their city rivals, who ultimately ended the match with nine men, after Jorge de Frutos cancelled out Vinicius Junior's excellent opener.

But Kylian Mbappe kept his cool with a 100th-minute penalty, which was awarded when Nobel Mendy caught Brahim Diaz in the area, and came after Pathe Ciss saw red for an ugly challenge on Dani Ceballos with 10 minutes of regular time remaining.

Madrid were largely off-colour and, not for the first time this season, were being whistled by sections of a demanding Santiago Bernabeu before Mbappe's late winner, which preceded Pep Chavarria receiving a second yellow and subsequent red for shoving Rodrygo.

Head coach Arbeloa said of the whistling: "I have a lot of respect for the Bernabeu fans and I will always ask for their support.

"I obviously respect all opinions and viewpoints. But I saw a crowd that carried us to victory, supporting us when we needed it, and without them, that goal surely wouldn't have come. 

"I always say it, players are better with their fans. And today it was proven again."

90'+10' | 2-1 | GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL by @KMbappe from the penalty spot!!!! @easportsfc pic.twitter.com/uyHlXpw3w3

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) February 1, 2026

Vinicius' fine goal was his first in LaLiga since October 4 against Villarreal in what has been a mixed campaign for the Brazil winger.

"It's a match where we've again tried to create opportunities for him to get down the wings, it's something we need to work on," Arbeloa said of Vinicius' performance.

"He scored a great goal and he put in a great effort in the second half."

One potential issue for Madrid and England was the sight of Jude Bellingham hobbling off early doors with what looked like a potential hamstring issue.

Arbeloa was unable to offer a meaningful update on his fitness, though he insisted there was no reason for him to have not started the game.

"We still don't know anything about Jude," he said.

"Jude was in perfect condition to play. And after so much effort, well, it's a very significant loss. 

"But I have an extraordinary squad. Let no one forget that we have 17 players here who were European champions a year and a half ago. And with them, we'll overcome whatever challenges come our way."