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Managing Madrid

https://www.managingmadrid.com/ | 735 entries published

Dominating European football since March 6th 1902

Latest Entries

Jose Antonio Camacho on Real Madrid’s Current Situation

Jose Antonio Camacho discussed Real Madrid’s current form on El Larguero, noting concerns about defensive reliability and leadership on the pitch. Camacho argued that the team lacks clear defensive reference points in key moments. “There are phases where no one steps forward to organize the back line. That cannot happen at this level,” he said. […]

2 months ago | 0 reads

Alvaro Benito’s Analysis After Liverpool Defeat and Rayo Draw

Alvaro Benito evaluated Real Madrid’s recent performances against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano on Cadena SER, focusing on structural and tactical issues he sees as ongoing under Xabi Alonso. Benito argued that Madrid have struggled to control matches when opponents adjust pressing triggers. “The team becomes stretched too easily. When the first press is broken, they […]

2 months ago | 0 reads

Ronald Koeman on Real Madrid Target Kees Smit and Comparisons to Pedri

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman discussed AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit this week, including comparisons that have emerged linking him to Pedri and speculation around Real Madrid’s interest. Koeman acknowledged Smit’s technical profile and intelligence in possession, noting similarities to players who operate between the lines. “He has the awareness to receive in tight spaces and […]

2 months ago | 0 reads

Eduardo Camavinga is a doubt for France vs Ukraine – report

Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is a doubt for France’s first international match of the break against Ukraine in the World Cup Qualifiers, according to Fabrice Hawkins. The player has pain in his hamstring, and it remains to be seen how serious it is, and whether he will be able to play the game against […]

2 months ago | 0 reads

Churros y Tácticas Podcast: Is There Actually A Rift Between Xabi Alonso And The Players?

On this Patron-only episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Diego Lorijn discuss: Enjoy the raw Churros, Campeones! Co-host and chief editor of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani, along with Diego Lorijn — Barca TV, VIVA La Liga TV host, delve into La Liga’s hottest topics. We scrutinize the biggest games, dissect […]

MLB

2 months ago | 0 reads

Kroos: “Arda Güler is a different player from me”

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos shared some thoughts about the club in an interview with Sport1, where he discussed Arda Güler’s potential. “I am glad that he is getting many more minutes this year for the first time, because he deserves it for his football quality and he is a guy we can count on […]

2 months ago | 1 read

Open Thread: November 12, 2025

The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods you’d totally do a UCL watch with: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Kung_Fu_Zizou […]

2 months ago | 0 reads

Ancelotti: “Endrick has to talk to Real Madrid and figure out what’s best for him”

Former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, now the manager of the Brazilian National Team, talked to the press and discussed Endrick’s current situation in the Spanish capital. Endrick has barely played this season and it looks like he could leave the club on a loan deal this winter, with Olympique Lyon as the main candidates […]

2 months ago | 0 reads

Alonso’s In-Game Management Coming Under Scrutiny

All things considered, it has been a mixed start to the Xabi Alonso era for Real Madrid. After reaching the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals in their first month under the Basque manager, Real won seven matches in a row before falling to a 5-2 demolition at Atlético Madrid. Los Blancos quickly bounced back with […]

MLB

2 months ago | 0 reads

Nothing Ventured.. |11 November 2025

The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Ezek, Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Kung_Fu_Zizou Xabi Alonso is having an interesting time so far. The very same media and […]

2 months ago | 0 reads

Joan Martinez attracting interest from several European clubs – report

Real Madrid Castilla prodigy Joan Martinez is attracting interest from several European clubs, reports Guillermo Rai of The Athletic on Monday. Martinez has had an impressive start to his season with Castilla, and given his age, 18, his development is progressing at a rapid pace, even after the ACL injury he suffered last year. Borussia […]

3 months ago | 0 reads

Only Three Days to Go: Managing Madrid Takes In Toronto!

Toronto Madridistas — the countdown is officially on! In just three days, the Managing Madrid Toronto Weekend kicks off. Click here to RSVP. From Friday, November 14th to Sunday, November 16th, join Kiyan Sobhani and Mehedi Hassan for jam-packed weekend that blends Real Madrid talk, live podcasting, and a chance to lace up your boots […]

3 months ago | 0 reads

OFFICIAL: Courtois injury report

Real Madrid have published a medical report on goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who suffered a muscle injury during Sunday’s match against Rayo Vallecano. After the tests conducted today on our player Thibaut Courtois by the Medical Services of Real Madrid, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the long adductor muscle of the right leg. […]

3 months ago | 0 reads

OFFICIAL: Valverde injury report

Real Madrid have published a medical report on midfielder Fede Valverde, who suffered a thigh injury during Sunday’s match against Rayo Vallecano. Following tests carried out today on our player Fede Valverde by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the semimembranosus muscle in his right thigh. His recovery […]

3 months ago | 0 reads

Open Thread: November 10, 2025

The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods you’d totally do a movie night with: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Kung_Fu_Zizou […]

3 months ago | 0 reads

Why Xabi Alonso Should Switch Real Madrid to a 4-4-2 Diamond

Real Madrid’s recent struggles against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano should raise serious concerns about the team’s current tactical setup. Los Blancos have drifted away from what worked so well just a few weeks ago — intense pressing and a balanced attack — and the on-field fit between Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé in […]

3 months ago | 0 reads

Managing Madrid Podcast: Rayo Vallecano 0 – 0 Real Madrid, Post-game Reaction

TORONTO EVENT: SIGN UP HERE. AUDIO: VIDEO: On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani, Matt Wiltse, and Lucas Navarrete discuss: Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. Managing Madrid is a hub for all Madridistas with updated news, op-eds, tactical analyses, artwork, and of course, […]

3 months ago | 0 reads

Player Ratings: Rayo Vallecano 0 – 0 Real Madrid

Player Ratings: Rayo Vallecano 0 – 0 Real Madrid A frustrating night in Vallecas. Real Madrid dropped points in a goalless draw that once again exposed the team’s lack of clinical edge in the final third. Thibaut Courtois: 7Had very little to do but made two key saves when called upon. His calm presence and […]

MLS

3 months ago | 0 reads

Xabi Alonso: “We’re still in November, there’s a long way to go”

Following the 0-0 draw with Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso spoke to the media and addressed criticism by saying, “I’m concerned about wanting to keep growing, wanting to keep improving, being positively self-critical, constructively self-critical”. He added that, “I think this is Real Madrid, we all know where we are and what we […]

MLB

3 months ago | 0 reads

Three questions and three answers from Rayo Vallecano 0-0 Real Madrid

Real Madrid were held to a 0-0 draw with Rayo Vallecano in a Madrid derby at Vallecas on Sunday afternoon. With the winter chill setting in across the Spanish capital, Real Madrid’s attack was frozen as they recorded just 0.82 xG up against Rayo’s 1.19 xG in a game of few chances. Three answers 1. […]

MLS

3 months ago | 0 reads

Immediate Reaction: Rayo Vallecano 0-0 Real Madrid

Rayo Vallecano 0-0 Real Madrid. Points shared at Vallecas… This is the immediate reaction to the draw. Get more: Player ratings, interviews and a podcast. Rayo Vallecano have become one of the toughest away trips for any side in recent years, but for Real Madrid – the local rivalry aspect of the fixture only ramped up […]

MLS

3 months ago | 0 reads

CONFIRMED lineups: Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid, 2025 La Liga

Real Madrid have published their starting lineup for the upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga. Real Madrid starting XI: Courtois, Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras, Camavinga, Güler, Bellingham, Brahim, Vinicius, Mbappé. Rayo Vallecano starting XI (TBC): Batalla, Ratiu, Lejeune, Mendy, Chavarría, Pedro Díaz, Ciss, De Frutos, Isi, Álvaro García, Alemao. Can Real Madrid bounce […]

3 months ago | 0 reads

Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid, 2025 La Liga: Predicted lineups

Real Madrid visit Rayo Vallecano in the last game before the upcoming FIFA break. Los Blancos need to regain confidence and momentum after the discouraging loss to Liverpool last Tuesday, so bouncing back against Rayo will be a must. Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois, Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras, Camavinga, Güler, Bellingham, Valverde, Vinicius, Mbappé. Rayo […]

NBA

3 months ago | 0 reads

OPEN THREAD | NOV 9TH, 2025

Welcome to The Daily Merengue — a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the Mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel, Ezek XI, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho. TODAY IS D-DAY It’s game time!

3 months ago | 0 reads