Dominating European football since March 6th 1902
In an interview with AS USA, former Spanish international Gaizka Mendieta offered a sharp tactical and psychological analysis of Real Madrid’s current situation — from stylistic expectations under Xabi Alonso to Álvaro Arbeloa’s motivational approach and the unique pressure of coaching a superclub. “We’ve Never Seen Real Madrid Play Like That” Mendieta was blunt when […]
14 days ago | 2 reads
Former Real Madrid and Benfica midfielder Javi García has given an expansive interview to AS, touching on his time in Madrid’s academy, his formative years at Benfica, Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence on his career, the Vinicius–Prestianni controversy, and even Álvaro Arbeloa’s role on the bench. “Only the Best Make It to Real Madrid” García began by […]
14 days ago | 3 reads
Real Madrid attacker Kylian Mbappé is expected to miss Wednesday’s match against Benfica in the return leg of the Champions League’s Round of 32 with a knee injury, according to a report from L’Equipe. Mbappé had been playing through pain for quite some time, but today he wasn’t able to complete the training session with […]
15 days ago | 2 reads
On the eve of the clash between Real Madrid and Benfica, it was not José Mourinho who faced the press — but his assistant, João Tralhão. With Mourinho absent and tensions simmering following his sending-off in the first leg, Benfica’s press officer laid down a firm boundary before the press conference began: no questions about […]
15 days ago | 2 reads
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was the player put forward to face the press ahead of the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica, and spoke about the racism scandal by saying, “this is a great moment for football to put an end to these things. We know what Vinicius has told us… and […]
15 days ago | 1 read
Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa spoke before the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg game against Benfica at the Bernabéu to defend his star man Vinícius Júnior, as he said, “he has always shown a lot of courage and character. Anyone in his situation… I don’t know how I would react. He has always been […]
15 days ago | 2 reads
Several key players for Real Madrid enter Wednesday’s match against Benfica at risk of suspension, with six members of the squad one yellow card away from missing the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 should the Spanish side advance. Those players are Álvaro Carreras, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Dean Huijsen, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo […]
15 days ago | 3 reads
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. THE DAY BEFORE All i will […]
15 days ago | 2 reads
All things considered, it has been a fairly quiet week for Kylian Mbappé. After riding the bench in their 4-1 win against Real Sociedad, Mbappé returned to the starting XI in Lisbon, where, despite bagging an assist, he was unable to assert his presence in a 1-0 win against Benfica in the first leg of […]
15 days ago | 0 reads
Former Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira shared thoughtful and, at times, pointed reflections in an interview with AS, touching on the club’s recent coaching transition, Vinícius Jr.’s evolution, and the broader responsibilities that come with superstardom. Khedira, who shared a dressing room with some of Madrid’s most influential figures during a golden era, did not […]
15 days ago | 4 reads
Speaking at an event organized by La Liga and Airbnb, former Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes addressed the club’s current situation, the recent coaching change, and the team’s prospects in Europe. Morientes began by contextualizing the noise surrounding Madrid’s campaign. “Real Madrid’s situation is out of the ordinary, that’s just how Real Madrid is. It’s […]
15 days ago | 2 reads
The fallout from the first leg between Real Madrid and Benfica has taken another turn — and this time, it ends without consequences for Fede Valverde. Benfica confirmed that UEFA has rejected the formal complaint they submitted against the Uruguayan midfielder. The Portuguese club had accused Valverde of violent conduct during last week’s Champions League […]
15 days ago | 2 reads
Real Madrid head into their decisive clash with Benfica knowing qualification isn’t the only thing at stake. Vinícius Jr.’s goal in Lisbon tilted the tie in Madrid’s favor, but his post-goal celebration carried consequences, even if unjust. The Brazilian was shown a yellow card that now leaves him walking a disciplinary tightrope. Another booking on […]
15 days ago | 2 reads
AUDIO: VIDEO: On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani answers questions about: Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. The site is run by a small team that works tirelessly around the clock to make it into what it is today. Your contributions will allow […]
16 days ago | 1 read
Endrick, currently on loan at Lyon, spoke to Téléfoot about his form and ambitions. “I hope one day win to win the Champions League and other titles with Vinicius and Mbappe. In the interim, I want to do great things with Olympique Lyon and, God willing, go to the World Cup to help Brazil.” On […]
16 days ago | 2 reads
After losing the league lead in Pamplona, analysis on spanish radio program Carrusel Canalla focused on Madrid’s inconsistency. Host Anton Meana was vocal about Arbeloa’s shortcomings:“Arbeloa has me confused. There are days where it seems he’s grasped the team’s dynamic… and then they go to Pamplona as if their lives didn’t depend on it. Madrid […]
16 days ago | 0 reads
Following Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Osasuna, Javier Herráez was blunt on Carrusel Deportivo. “For me it’s a reminder of the past. They played like it was inconvenient for them. The lineup was a mistake. If you want to play Carvajal, fine. But start him now, with that lack of identity and considering he hadn’t been […]
16 days ago | 2 reads
In Spanish radio program La Pizarra, Miguel Quintana analyzed Madrid’s defeat to Osasuna and shifted the focus beyond individual performances. He began by highlighting Victor Muñoz:“We all knew him from that play in Montjuic that could have equalized a Clasico, but the real breakthrough of Victor Munoz at the elite level we are seeing this […]
16 days ago | 2 reads
On Radio Marca, several analysts openly questioned Dani Carvajal’s current level and future with Spain. Pipi Estrada was direct:“It has become clear that Carvajal is not ready to play. We are not retiring him, but he finishes the season and goes to play with his brother-in-law. Is he ready to play against Víctor Muñoz? Do […]
16 days ago | 1 read
Real Madrid published a statement on Weibo addressing controversy surrounding Dean Huijsen after the defender reshared content on Instagram that Chinese users deemed offensive. The club released a message in Chinese attributed to the player: “I sincerely apologize to my Chinese friends. I previously reposted content that included offensive messages unintentionally. It was completely unintentional […]
16 days ago | 4 reads
There was a time when Real Madrid were ruthless with their departures. If a player was deemed superfluous to the project, they were sold. Contracts were moved freely. Contracts moved in; contracts moved out. About seven years ago, Real Madrid shifted their transfer policy. As Matt Wiltse wrote about at the beginning of February, ‘Galacticos’ […]
16 days ago | 3 reads
UEFA have provisionally suspended Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and the Argentinian player will miss Wednesday’s match against Real Madrid in the return leg of the Champions League’s Round of 32 after allegations that he racially abused Vinicius during last week’s first leg. UEFA are still investigating this case and Prestianni could be facing a 10-match suspension […]
16 days ago | 2 reads
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 decision Updates ahead of Benfica game
16 days ago | 4 reads
UEFA have appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic as the man in charge of Wednesday’s match between Real Madrid and Benfica in the return leg of the Champions League’s Round of 32. Per Realmadrid.comSlavko Vinčić will referee the match between Real Madrid and Benfica, corresponding to the second leg of the playofffor access to the round of 16 […]
16 days ago | 4 reads
Real Madrid attacker Endrick —who’s now playing for Olympique Lyon on a loan deal which will expire at the end of the season— talked to the press and shared his thoughts on his first few weeks in the Ligue 1 and his future in the Spanish capital. “Mbappé and Camavinga told me that Ligue 1 […]
16 days ago | 2 reads