Vinícius Junior opened the scoring before Sevilla levelled through Saúl Ñíguez, with Kylian Mbappé assisting the winner scored by Brahim Díaz. A teenage academy player named Leiva made his debut late in the game after Aurélien Tchouaméni and Dean Huijsen both picked up knocks.
Arbeloa reflected on the final week of a role he accepted in January without experience at the highest level.
"The team, on a difficult ground, has played a serious match. The boys were quite clear about what needed to be done and we had the match under control at all times. I'm pleased with the three points."
He spoke about his final week in charge with a mixture of practicality and affection.
"It will be a week of farewells for some players and an attempt to play a good match in front of our supporters. Until the last second with this shirt — and me too."
Arbeloa was asked whether he ends the season more satisfied with Mbappé and Vinícius, given the criticism both have attracted across what has been a turbulent campaign internally.
"I end very satisfied with all my players, with the effort. We are aware that we have not fulfilled the objectives. I have been here four months, both have tried to give the best of themselves, each with the difficulties they have faced. I think they are two players any team in the world would want. They are two of the five most unbalancing players in the world, for sure. Today it was Vini's turn to score but Kylian has done a great job — hopefully next weekend he will have more luck."
Arbeloa described his four months at the Bernabéu as a personal milestone that would define his coaching journey regardless of what follows.
"I came here four months ago as a Primera RFEF coach and the day I leave here, I leave as a Real Madrid coach. A top-flight head coach, having managed Champions League matches. For me, these four months have been an enormous experience, an enormous amount of learning."