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Managing Madrid

Dominating European football since March 6th 1902

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Vinicius: “Racists are, above all, cowards.

Vinícius Júnior refused to stay quiet after the Real Madrid’s win over Benfica, which was marred by a racist incident and abuse from Benfica fans — including objects thrown that made direct contact with Vinicius. Roughly an hour after the final whistle, the Brazilian forward took to Instagram with a powerful message condemning the racist […]

Managing Madrid Podcast: Benfica 0 – 1 Real Madrid, 1st Leg, Knockout Phase, Post-game Reaction, Champions League 2025 – 2026

AUDIO: VIDEO: On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani breaks down Real Madrid’s win over Benfica: Shameful racism, disgusting behaviour, and, though it was overshadowed, a very solid performance from Real Madrid. Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Real Madrid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Discord Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Managing Madrid […]

Immediate Reaction: Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid

Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid (Vinícius Júnior). A game marred in controversy… This is my immediate reaction. Get more: Player ratings, interviews and a much needed podcast. A play-off that Real Madrid never wanted to play – but now have to after an embarrassing defeat against the very side they were drawn against. Would Benfica cause another upset, or […]

CONFIRMED lineups: Benfica vs Real Madrid, 2026 Champions League

Real Madrid have published their starting lineup for the upcoming match against Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League’s Round of 32. CONFIRMED LINEUPS Real Madrid starting XI: Courtois; Trent, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Valverde, Camavinga; Güler; Vinicius, Mbappé. Benfica starting XI (TBC): Trubin; Dedic, Otamendi, T. Araújo, Dahl; Aursnes, Barreiro; Prestianni, Sudakov, […]

MLS

Gary Lineker Questions Thomas Tuchel’s Public Comments on Trent Alexander-Arnold

Gary Lineker has criticised recent remarks made by England manager Thomas Tuchel about Trent Alexander-Arnold, calling the comments “bizarre” and “not particularly supportive.” Tuchel had spoken about Alexander-Arnold’s defensive responsibilities, saying: “He sometimes relies heavily on his offensive contributions, but gives not so much emphasis on the defensive discipline and effort. “This major impact that […]

Play-Offs | 17 February 2026

The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to d 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 Real Madrid continue to struggle with injuries as a normal part of daily life. […]

Benfica vs Real Madrid, 2026 Champions League: Predicted lineups

Real Madrid visit Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League’s Round of 32. Mbappé is expected to return to the lineup and the biggest question mark for Arbeloa will surely be who to deploy in the center of the defensive line now that Rudiger is also back. Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Trent, […]

Real Madrid’s New Tactical Sequence: Up, Back, And Through To Bypass Opposition Press

At Mestalla, Real Madrid played most of the time against Valencia defending and switching between a 5-4-1 low and medium block. The team looked short of solutions, working the ball around, until Alvaro Carreras broke the deadlock via an incredible individual effort. Against Real Sociedad, Alvaro Arbeloa encountered a different challenge: A team that wants […]

Mourinho: “I Would Really Like to Eliminate Real Madrid”

LISBON — José Mourinho addressed the media on the eve of Benfica’s Champions League knockout phase first leg against Real Madrid, speaking candidly about his past with the Spanish giants and his hopes for the tie. The Portuguese coach began by dismissing speculation surrounding his relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and the possibility […]

Eduardo Camavinga: “Real Madrid fans haven’t seen the full Camavinga yet”

Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga was the man put forward to face the media ahead of the Champions League game against Benfica in Lisbon on Tuesday, where he reflected on his performances and said, “I think I have to do much more. I’m aware of that and I’m capable. Madrid fans haven’t seen the full […]

Álvaro Arbeloa: “This is a new match, we’re not thinking about the last game”

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa spoke form the Estadio Da Luz in Lisbon on Monday evening to preview the UEFA Champions League play-off first leg clash with Benfica, reflecting on their recent meeting in the league stage by saying, “for us, it’s a new match, we’re not thinking about anything else. It’s a new match… […]

Real Madrid announce squad for Champions League match against Benfica

Real Madrid have published their squad list for Tuesday’s match against Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League’s Round of 32. REAL MADRID SQUAD:Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, and Fran González.Defenders: Carvajal, Alaba, Trent, Á. Carreras, Fran García, Rüdiger, Mendy, Huijsen, and Joan Martínez.Midfielders: Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Ceballos, Cestero, and Thiago.Forwards: Vini Jr., […]

Top of The Tree | 16 February 2026

Arbeloa’s men reach the top of the table. In a season where Real Madrid continue to flatter to deceive, Los Blancos have finished the weekend at the to of the league. This makes it an actual title race though many would be hard pressed to declare this team has the stomach for the fight. Winning […]

Referee named for Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid

UEFA have appointed French referee François Letexier as the man in charge of Tuesday’s match between Benfica and Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League’s Round of 32. The game will kick off at 9pm CET. Per Realmadrid.comFrançois Letexier will referee the match between Real Madrid and Benfica, corresponding to the first leg of […]

Open Thread: 15 February 2026

The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to d 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, Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Felipejack. Good win ahead of Benfica News ahead of the UCL game Real Madrid […]

Managing Madrid Podcast | Madrid Mornings: Confidence boost (vs Real Sociedad, 4-1)

In this episode of Madrid Mornings, Lucas shares his thoughts on Real Madrid’s win over Real Sociedad. CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f Managing Madrid is a hub for all Madridistas with updated news, op-eds, tactical analyses, artwork, and of course, podcasts. It also serves as a means for Real […]

Valverde: “We’ve taken a lot of crap”

Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde talked to the press after the team’s victory over Real Sociedad in La Liga. It was a solid performance and a statement win, so Valverde wanted to send a message. “Well, I think in the end that’s what I’m telling you, the energy, the good results that come as they […]

Player Ratings: Real Madrid 4 – 1 Real Sociedad

Player Ratings: Real Madrid 4 – 1 Real Sociedad Thibaut Courtois: 7Harsh to blame him for the penalty that Oyarzabal converted. All in all, Courtois only had to make two straightforward saves — but he made them nonetheless. Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8.5Takes this team to another level. His distribution and composure were incredible tonight. The weight […]

Managing Madrid Podcast: Real Madrid 4 – 1 Real Sociedad, Post-game Reaction, La Liga 2025 – 2026

AUDIO: VIDEO: On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani breaks down Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad: The Trent Alexander-Arnold masterclass, Trent + Fede combo on the right, Vinicius, Gonzalo, Huijsen, and much more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Real Madrid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Discord […]

Alvaro Arbeloa: “We’re lucky to have a player like Trent”

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media after his team’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday night. He was asked about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance, to which he said: “I won’t say he surprised me, but he seems like a very intelligent lad who understands the game very well and quickly grasps […]

Three questions and three answers from Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad

Real Madrid made it eight straight wins in La Liga as they wrapped up a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Bernabéu on Saturday night with two penalty goals from Vinícius Júnior alongside strikes from Fede Valverde and Gonzalo García, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring from the penalty spot for the Basque side. Three answers […]

Immediate Reaction: Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad

Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad (García, Vinícius Júnior x2 & Valverde). A great performance with goals to match… This is my immediate reaction to the big win. Get more: Player ratings, interviews and a post game podcast. Real Sociedad presented one of the biggest challenges so far Álvaro Arbeloa and his Real Madrid side, and the team would […]

CONFIRMED lineups: Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad, 2026 La Liga

Real Madrid have published their starting lineup for the upcoming match against Real Sociedad in La Liga. STARTING LINEUPS Real Madrid starting XI: Courtois; Trent, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouameni, Güler, Valverde; Camavinga, Gonzalo and Vinicius. Real Sociedad starting XI (TBC):Remiro; Aramburu, Jon Martín, Zubeldia, Sergio Gómez; Turrientes, Yangel; Marín, Soler, Guedes; Oyarzabal. This is a […]

Open Thread: 14 February 2026

The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to d 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, Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Felipejack. Matchday The expected line-up: Courtois; Carvajal, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Güler, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Franco, […]