Managing Madrid
Dominating European football since March 6th 1902
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Five Bullet Points From Real Madrid’s Win Over Racing Santander
On November 1, 2026 Real Madrid dispatched Racing Santander in a commanding LaLiga victory, highlighted by Yan Diomande’s breakthrough on the left wing. Diomande’s defensive sturdiness freed Marc Cucurella, while his chemistry with Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler sparked a fluid attack that José Mourinho praised as the first truly cohesive starting XI in years. The first half saw Madrid dominate; the second half was a brief ten‑minute press‑neutralising spell. Mbappé’s second goal, a perfect three‑man move involving Bellingham and Güler, epitomised the new fluidity. The emerging partnership between Cucurella and Racing’s Dean Huijsen also stands out as a promising defensive link.
Referee named for Champions League match between AEK Athens and Real Madrid
UEFA names Italian referee Maurizio Mariani to officiate the Champions League clash between AEK Athens and Real Madrid on November 4, 2026, at Athens' Allwyn Arena (6:45 pm CEST). Mariani, who has previously overseen three Real Madrid group‑stage and knockout matches—including a 3‑0 win over Manchester City—brings extensive experience to what promises to be an intense encounter. The game will be broadcast on Movistar Liga de Campeones in Spain and streamed via Paramount+, DAZN, and Amazon Prime Video in the U.S.
TOP 10 PLAYERS: Racing Santander 0-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid thrash Racing Santander 3-0 at El Sardinero, with Arda Güler creating six chances in just 66 minutes and completing a league‑best 97.4% of passes. Jude Bellingham dominates the midfield, logging 88 touches, 14 progressive passes and scoring the second goal. Dean Huijsen and Yan Diomande add progressive passes and carries, while Diomande’s 44 final‑third touches rank highest. Racing’s only bright spots are Iñigo Vicente’s eight progressive carries and Yassir Zabiri’s top non‑penalty xG of 0.49. The match, held on November 1, 2026, showcases Madrid’s control and attacking depth.
Real Madrid’s Big Chance Conversion Rate Surges — And History Shows That Wins La Liga
Real Madrid’s recent 2-1 win at the Camp Nou highlighted a surge in big‑chance conversion, with the club now scoring on 38.5% of its chances (15 of 39) compared with Barcelona’s 42.5% (26 of 61). Over the last six league games Madrid converts 45% of big chances, aided by Kylian Mbappé’s 40.9% (9 of 22) and Yan Diomandé’s 50% (2 of 4). Historically, Madrid’s three highest conversion rates (2019/20, 2021/22, 2023/24) coincided with La Liga titles, underscoring the metric’s importance. The team also limited Barça to just two big chances despite their league‑leading 6.6 per match average, thanks to a solid defensive effort from Mourinho’s side.
Player Ratings: Racing Santander 0–3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid cruise to a 3–0 win over Racing Santander in LaLiga, with Kylian Mbappé opening the scoring and Jude Bellingham adding a second after a sharp off‑ball run. Arda Güler shines with an assist, six key passes and a 97.5% pass rate, while Yan Diomande caps a two‑way performance with a spectacular goal. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois keeps a clean sheet with a crucial save, and defenders Dean Huijsen (8.5) and Marc Cucurella (8) dominate the back line. Bench contributions are modest, though Endrick nearly scores from distance. The ratings highlight a dominant all‑round display by Madrid’s starters.
6 stats from Racing Santander 0-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid extend their winning streak to six games with a 3-0 away victory over Racing Santander at El Sardinero, sealing the win before halftime through goals from Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande. The match marks Bellingham's 50th goal for the club, making him the 50th player to hit that mark and the second Englishman after Gary Lineker. Mbappé reaches 18 La Liga penalties scored since joining in 2024/25, while Arda Güler creates six chances – his best single-game total since August – and records his first assist of the season. The win adds to a run of 18 goals scored and six conceded across the last six fixtures.
Mourinho: “There are a lot of people who don’t know the rules”
After Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Racing Santander on November 1, 2026, coach José Mourinho defended a disputed penalty, insisting the VAR review proved it wasn’t a foul and criticizing the ever‑changing rules. He praised the hostile atmosphere at El Sardinero but warned that Racing remained dangerous early on. Mourinho highlighted the squad’s growing confidence, noting improved defensive compactness and the need to convert more chances. He praised players like Bellingham, Diomande and new‑half Trent for their contributions and stressed a strong coach‑player rapport as the team prepares for two tough upcoming fixtures.
Immediate Reaction: Racing Santander 0-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid crush Racing Santander 3-0 at El Sardinero on November 1, 2026, buoyed by a controversial penalty win from Kylian Mbappé, a second‑half strike by Jude Bellingham and a long‑range goal from Ivorian forward Yan Diomande, who earns man‑of‑the‑moment honors. Trent Alexander‑Arnold slots in at right‑back, Courtois returns in goal and Vinícius Júnior remains suspended. The win follows Madrid’s El Clásico triumph and sees the team’s morale soaring, despite a missed post‑hit by Mbappé and a disputed handball penalty later in the game. Full player ratings and interviews are pending.
CONFIRMED lineups: Racing Santander vs Real Madrid, 2026 La Liga
Real Madrid unveil a star‑studded lineup for their La Liga clash with Racing Santander on 1 Nov 2026. Fresh from a 2‑1 El Clásico win, Madrid start Courtois, Trent, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella, Tchouaméni, Bernardo Silva, Güler, Bellingham, Diomande and Mbappé. Racing’s tentative XI features Agirrezabala, Mantilla, Pablo Ramón, Belocian, Aarón Martín, Iván Martín, Almeida, Pablo García, Canales, Iñigo Vicente and Zabiri. The match kicks off at 16:15 CET at El Sardinero, broadcast on DAZN in Spain and ESPN Deportes/ESPN+ in the US.
Racing Santander vs Real Madrid 2026 live stream: Time, TV channels and how to watch La Liga online
Real Madrid travel to El Sardinero on November 1, 2026, to face Racing Santander just days after their El Clásico win over Barcelona. The article lists predicted line‑ups for both sides, featuring Courtois, Mbappé and Bellingham for Los Blancos and a backline anchored by Mantilla and Pablo Ramón for Racing. Kick‑off is set for 16:15 CET (10:15 a.m. EST), with TV coverage on DAZN La Liga in Spain and ESPN Deportes in the U.S., and a streaming option via ESPN+ in America. Fans can tune in to see if Real can maintain pressure on Hansi Flick’s Bayern side.
DAILY THREAD | Nov 1, 2026
Real Madrid travel to El Sardinero on November 1 for a crucial La Liga clash against Racing Santander, who remain unbeaten at home. Manager José Mourinho faces a rotation dilemma after Fede Valverde remains sidelined with injury, prompting a surprise start by Denzel Dumfries at right‑back while Trent Alexander‑Arnold sits on the bench. The club announced its matchday squad via Twitter and highlighted Racing’s solid defensive record but modest attacking output. With Atletico and Barcelona both on winning streaks, Madrid must secure three points to keep pace in the title race.
Madrid Daily: Castilla beat Cartagena, Militão burglary report and Racing’s ticket crackdown
Real Madrid Castilla clinches a 2–0 win over Cartagena, with Pol Fortuny scoring in the 12th minute and Alexis Ciria adding a second five minutes later. Meanwhile, Racing Santander announces two player absences and tightens ticket controls ahead of their clash with Real Madrid. In off‑field news, Éder Militão’s home is burglarized during the Clásico, with valuables over €350,000 reported stolen. The piece also revisits Yan Diomande’s early development, highlighting his dribbling talent and academic focus at Academia AFI Sud Comoé.
Racing Santander vs Real Madrid, 2026 La Liga: Predicted lineups
Real Madrid head to El Sardinero on November 1 for their first visit to Racing Santander in over ten years. Los Blancos miss Fede Valverde, still injured from El Clásico, and Vinícius Jr. sits out due to a three‑game suspension. Predicted line‑ups feature Thibaut Courtois in goal; a back four of Dumfries, Konaté, Rüdiger and Carreras; Tchouaméni and Bernardo Silva in midfield; and an attack led by Güler, Bellingham, Diomande and Mbappé. The match kicks off at 16:15 CET and will be shown on DAZN in Spain and ESPN Deportes/ESPN+ in the U.S.
Real Madrid announce squad for La Liga match against Racing Santander
Real Madrid reveal their 20‑man lineup for the La Liga clash with Racing Santander on Sunday, 1 Nov 2026. Goalkeepers Courtois (returning after missing El Clásico), Lunin and Mestre start, while defenders include Militão, Huijsen, Trent and Rüdiger. Midfield sees Bellingham, Camavinga, Tchouameni and Arda Güler; the attack features Endrick, Mbappé, C. Espí and Brahim. Valverde remains out with a minor muscle injury. The match kicks off at 16:15 CET (10:15 EST) at El Sardinero, streamed on DAZN (Spain) and ESPN+ (USA).
The last time at El Sardinero
Real Madrid’s last trip to Racing Santander’s El Sardinero ended in a 0‑0 stalemate on September 21, 2011. José Mourinho’s side, fielding Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Iker Casillas and a defence of Álvaro Arbeloa, Raphaël Varane, Ricardo Carvalho and Marcelo, struggled against Héctor Cúper’s organized Racing, who limited Xabi Alonso’s impact. After a defeat at Levante, Madrid needed points but could not convert possession into chances despite halftime substitutions of Ángel Di María, Gonzalo Higuaín and Kaká. The draw left Madrid with just one point from two away games.
Yan Diomande on Real Madrid: “I feel like we are a family”
Real Madrid winger Yan Diomande describes the club as a close‑knit family during a post‑match interview after the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 El Clásico on October 25, 2026. The shy Ivorian, the youngest in the squad, praises teammates Vini Kornet, Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni for their friendliness and says playing alongside his childhood idols is a privilege. Diomande also shares a personal motive, dedicating every performance to his late sister and mother.
Should Real Madrid Bring Back Jacobo Ramon? Yes. Here’s Why.
Real Madrid could trigger a €9 million buy‑back clause for 21‑year‑old Jacobo Ramon, one of Serie A’s top ball‑playing centre‑backs. Ramon arrives with Champions League experience, a 92nd‑percentile forward‑pass completion rate, and a record 12‑for‑12 aerial duels against Torino, plus three set‑piece goals this season. His arrival would upgrade the defense, potentially replacing Raul Asencio and allowing competition with Dean Huijsen, Eder Militao and Ibrahima Konaté, while freeing up the €8‑9 million slot before his price rises to €10 million in 2028. With Premier clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal circling, Madrid faces a lucrative timing decision.
Harry Kane: “Jose Mourinho definitely made his stamp on me”
Harry Kane reveals how former Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho shaped his evolution toward a 2026 Ballon d’Or ambition. In a fresh interview featured on the All or Nothing series, Kane recounts Mourinho granting him freedom, honing his skill set and offering personal encouragement, even sending a congratulatory message after his biggest individual accolade. The striker credits Mourinho’s personality and tactical guidance for leaving a lasting imprint on his game, highlighting the Portuguese manager’s role in Kane’s quest to join the likes of Ronaldo and Messi.
SCOUTING RACING SANTANDER: Not to be taken lightly at all
Racing Santander’s season hinges on a leaky defence despite a decent attack. In the first 10 LaLiga games José Alberto López’s side have netted 15 goals but conceded 26, recording three wins, two draws and five losses. They rank ninth for non‑penalty xG (12.3) and have outscored that metric with 14 non‑penalty goals, led by Yassir Zabiri’s eight strikes. Defensively, they allow the third‑most non‑penalty xG (15.7) and concede 21 goals, well above expectations. The team presses aggressively (PPDA 11.2) but often does so deep in their own half, ranking 13th for defensive actions distance. Iñigo Vicente provides the biggest passing threat (3.5 xT), while the 4‑2‑3‑1 formation yields 343 open‑play passes per match, the league’s 11th‑highest xT total.
Valverde expected to miss Sunday’s match against Racing Santander
Real Madrid defender Fede Valverde skips Saturday training and is expected to sit out Sunday’s away game against Racing Santander after stretching a minor muscle injury in El Clásico. Coach José Mourinho may rotate the squad, but midfielder Arda Güler is back in training and available. Riding the confidence of their recent dominant win over Barcelona, Los Blancos enter as heavy favorites for the three points in Santander.
Mourinho: “If being defensive gets you 100 points and 120 goals, I’m happy to be defensive”
At a pre‑match press conference, Real Madrid manager José Mourinho defends his defensive approach, saying it can still earn 100 points and 120 goals. He stresses a balanced, open mindset, praises his players, and notes the team’s calmness ahead of the Sunday clash with Racing Santander. Mourinho also paid tribute to the victims of the Urda tragedy, lauded Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or win, and highlighted the squad’s growing maturity after the recent Clasico, insisting the season’s goal remains the league title.
DAILY THREAD | Oct 31, 2026
Real Madrid’s midfield sees a boost with Bernardo Silva: possession jumps from 47% to 57% when he plays, and Mourinho has shifted him into a deeper role to improve build‑up. After waiting for Silva’s peak physical condition, Mourinho now makes him a regular starter. Meanwhile, teenage forward Endrick hints at a possible January loan if minutes stay limited, despite Mourinho’s assurances. Fans also debate the ideal central‑back pairing once the squad is fully fit.
Enrick not ruling out January loan options—report
Real Madrid’s Brazilian prodigy Endrick remains undecided on a January loan, with AS journalist Marco Ruiz citing interest from Roma and AC Milan. While Mourinho publicly rejects any move, insisting Endrick doesn’t need a loan and should thrive at the Bernabeu, the coach reportedly won’t block a departure if the forward chooses it. Roma’s summer pursuit was halted by Mourinho, and Milan now emerge as the latest suitor. Endrick says he will weigh his playing‑time prospects at Madrid before deciding as the winter window looms.
Mbappé missed out on the Ballon D’Or by only 28 points
Kylian Mbappé missed the 2026 Ballon d’Or by a razor‑thin margin of 28 points, finishing with 1,027 to Harry Kane’s 1,055. Kane’s 40 first‑place votes outpaced Mbappé’s 23, delivering the fourth‑closest top‑two finish ever. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal took third (881 points), while Real Madrid’s other stars lagged: Jude Bellingham 11th (107 points), Vinícius Júnior 17th (26 points). Rodri placed fourth, ahead of Lionel Messi, and Kane became the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001.
Vinicius and Endrick make Brazil’s list for the next FIFA break
Coach Carlo Ancelotti drops Vinícius Júnior and teenage prodigy Endrick into Brazil’s November FIFA‑break squad for friendlies against Japan (Nov 14) and Singapore (Nov 17). Meanwhile, Real Madrid centre‑back Éder Militao remains in Madrid to rebuild fitness after a hamstring setback that sidelined him from preseason. Los Blancos aim to maintain momentum ahead of the break with away fixtures versus Racing Santander, AEK Athens and Valencia, underscoring the need to stay sharp away from the Bernabéu.
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