Real Madrid is not having its best season. The Merengues have complicated their chances of winning titles in a campaign in which they cut short Xabi Alonso's tenure. Andrey Arshavin hopes Real Madrid's downward spiral continues. In Alvaro Arbeloa's debut as Real Madrid coach, the team was defeated 3-2 by Albacete. It was a tough start for the former Spanish player in the Copa del Rey round of 16. Andrey Arshavin wants the road ahead to remain difficult for the Madrid club due to his affinity with FC Barcelona. "As a Barcelona fan, I hope Arbeloa fails. For him, the key is connecting with the players, not devising strategies. Xabi Alonso didn't manage that," Arshavin said on Match TV. La Liga is close. The Copa del Rey is already a thing of the past for Real Madrid. Real Madrid is still alive in the UEFA Champions League and is also battling neck and neck with FC Barcelona in LaLiga. In the Spanish league, Real Madrid has accumulated 51 points from 16 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses. FC Barcelona leads the league. However, the Catalan side is only one point behind Alvaro Arbeloa's team. "I'm surprised that Barcelona is only one point ahead in the standings. Real Madrid was playing so badly that their position seemed different to me. But I think Arbeloa is still in a difficult situation," added the former Arsenal player. LaLiga standings: Next match for Real Madrid