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Managing Madrid

https://www.managingmadrid.com/ | 842 entries published

Dominating European football since March 6th 1902

Latest Entries

Managing Madrid Podcast | Madrid Mornings: Reality check (@Benfica, 4-2)

In this episode of Madrid Mornings, Lucas shares his thoughts on Real Madrid’s discouraging loss to Benfica. 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 […]

12 days ago | 0 reads

Player Ratings: Benfica 4 – 2 Real Madrid

Player Ratings: Benfica 4–2 Real Madrid — Courtois Left on an Island as Madrid Collapse Real Madrid’s trip to Lisbon ended in a 4–2 defeat that felt even more lopsided than the scoreline suggests. Benfica repeatedly found ways to isolate Madrid’s defenders in transition, exploit the high line, and punish a team that simply never […]

12 days ago | 0 reads

Managing Madrid Podcast: Benfica 4 – 2 Real Madrid, Post-game Reaction, Champions League 2025 – 2026

AUDIO: VIDEO: On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani gives his reaction to ⁠Real Madrid’s loss away to Benfica in the final Champions League group stage match. Discussed: Vinicius, Mastantuono, Güler, Arbeloa, Bellingham, and a ton more. Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid (or ⁠⁠YouTube membership⁠⁠) […]

NFL

12 days ago | 1 read

OPEN THREAD — If I Speak: 29 Jan. 2026

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. A Lunch Break Writer’s Prelude. I prefer not […]

12 days ago | 0 reads

Álvaro Arbeloa: “I’m responsible for Benfica defeat”

Following a painful defeat which knocked Real Madrid out of the top eight of the Champions League, coach Álvaro Arbeloa reflected on the 4-2 loss to Benfica by insisting, “I’m responsible for this defeat, just like in Albacete. I feel totally responsible when things don’t go well. But we haven’t been eliminated from the Champions […]

12 days ago | 3 reads

Immediate Reaction: Benfica 4-2 Real Madrid

Benfica 4-2 Real Madrid (Mbappé x2). Defeat in Europe… This is the immediate reaction to the terrible performance. Coming up: Player ratings, interviews and a podcast. Jose Mourinho would be facing his former side, and his former player as Álvaro Arbeloa and his men visited the Portuguese capital. The team was as expected, with Raúl Asencio […]

12 days ago | 0 reads

CONFIRMED lineups: Benfica vs Real Madrid, 2026 Champions League

Real Madrid have published their starting lineup for the upcoming match against Benfica in the Champions League. Real Madrid starting XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Güler, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Mbappé and Vinicius. Benfica starting XI (TBC): Trubin; Dedic, Otamendi, Tomás Araújo, Dahl; Barrenechea, Barreiro; Prestianni, Sudakov, Aursnes and Pavlidis. As expected, Tchouameni returns to […]

13 days ago | 0 reads

Benfica vs Real Madrid, 2026 Champions League: Predicted lineups

Real Madrid visit Benfica in the last game of the Group Stage. Tchouameni is back after missing the last game against Villarreal while being suspended, so he should be expected to make his return to the starting lineup in this one. Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Güler, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Mbappé […]

13 days ago | 3 reads

OPEN THREAD — Company Man: 28 Jan. 2026

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. A Collection of Memos Writer’s Prelude. Today’s memo […]

13 days ago | 2 reads

Mourinho: “There’s only one objective” ahead of Benfica vs Real Madrid

José Mourinho spoke to the media today in his pre-game press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Benfica vs Real Madrid clash, addressing the unpredictability of football, his mindset for the match, and several topics related to former players and colleagues. Below are Mourinho’s full quotes from the press conference. On the challenge of predicting the game […]

14 days ago | 0 reads

Alvaro Carreras: “I like pressure, I’m comfortable with it”

Real Madrid left-back Alvaro Carreras spoke to the media ahead of the club’s match against his former team, Benfica, on Wednesday. He was asked about high pressure and criticism, to which he said: “I’ve played for the best club in Portugal, and now for the best club in the world. And I understand that’s how […]

14 days ago | 2 reads

Alvaro Arbeloa: “Jose Mourinho is much more than just a coach to me”

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media ahead of their game against Benfica on Wednesday. He was asked about whether he saw Jose Mourinho’s press conference and what he said about him, to which he said: “Yes, yes, of course. I didn’t miss the manager’s press conference. I didn’t miss them when […]

14 days ago | 1 read

Lyon Coach Fonseca Wants to Extend Endrick Loan

According to ESPN Brazil, Lyon head coach Paulo Fonseca has already asked the club’s hierarchy to explore options to keep Endrick beyond the current agreement, impressed by his immediate influence and efficiency in front of goal. Endrick’s early impact at Lyon has not changed Real Madrid’s long-term stance. Fabrizio Romano reports that the club’s board […]

14 days ago | 0 reads

Mastantuono: “Arbeloa and his coaching staff gave me a lot of confidence”

Real Madrid attacker Franco Mastantuono talked to DSport and shared his thoughts on his first few months as a madridista. Mastantuono praised Arbeloa and thanked Xabi for believing in him when the club was considering his signing. “Álvaro and his entire coaching staff gave me a lot of confidence, which I believe is key for […]

14 days ago | 0 reads

Angel di Maria: “Mastantuono is more talented and a better dribbler than me”

Ángel Di María spoke at length in an interview with AS, reflecting on his career path, his time at Real Madrid, the managers who influenced him most, and several current figures in world football. From Benfica to Real Madrid Di María recalled his development in Portugal and the moment Real Madrid entered the picture. “I […]

14 days ago | 0 reads

Real Madrid announce squad for Champions League match against Benfica

Real Madrid have published their squad list for Wednesday’s match against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League. REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST:Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin and Fran González.Defenders: Carvajal, Alaba, Asencio, Carreras, Fran García, Huijsen and Diego Aguado.Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Ceballos and Cestero.Attackers: Vini Jr., Mbappé, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Brahim and Mastantuono. Tchouameni returns to the list after missing […]

14 days ago | 0 reads

OPEN THREAD — Reduction In Force: 27 Jan. 2026

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. A Collection of Memos Writer’s Prelude. Today’s memo […]

14 days ago | 0 reads

Managing Madrid Podcast: Benfica vs Real Madrid Preview, Champions League 2025 – 2026

AUDIO: VIDEO: On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani is joined by Adrian Sousa of Rabona TV to help us preview Benfica vs Real Madrid this Wednesday. 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 is a hub for all Madridistas […]

NFL

15 days ago | 2 reads

Jorge Valdano Praises Arbeloa’s Impact and Points to Shift in Real Madrid’s Mentality

Jorge Valdano offered a revealing assessment of Real Madrid’s recent performance on Deporte Plus+, focusing less on tactics and more on something he believes has clearly changed: the team’s emotional and psychological state under Álvaro Arbeloa. Reflecting on the win over Villarreal, Valdano highlighted the level of collective engagement he saw from the opening whistle […]

15 days ago | 1 read

Rüdiger Steps Up Recovery as Real Madrid Prepare for Benfica Clash

Real Madrid returned to training at Valdebebas on Monday under rainy conditions, with the biggest takeaway being Antonio Rüdiger’s partial reintegration into group work. The German centre-back trained alongside his teammates for part of the session, a clear sign that his comeback is getting closer, even if it won’t come in time for the trip […]

15 days ago | 0 reads

Referee named for Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid

UEFA have appointed Italian referee Davide Massa as the man in charge of Wednesday’s match between Benfica and Real Madrid, which will be played in Lisbon (21:00 CET). Per Realmadrid.comDavide Massa will referee the match between Real Madrid and Benfica, on matchday eight of the Champions League, which will be played at the Estadio da Luz (Wednesday, 9 pm […]

15 days ago | 1 read

OPEN THREAD — The RM Industry: 26 Jan. 2026

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. Word From Author: A Collection of Memos Writer’s […]

15 days ago | 0 reads

Madrid Look “Plugged In” Under Arbeloa

It’s early, but Madrid look far more engaged under Álvaro Arbeloa than during the final months of Xabi Alonso’s tenure. The change is visible in energy, focus, and collective discipline. Arbeloa’s approach has been straightforward: simple game plans, defined responsibilities, and confidence in the squad. Rather than constant tactical experimentation, he has emphasized clarity and […]

15 days ago | 1 read