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Managing Madrid

Dominating European football since March 6th 1902

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Courtois ‘doubtful’ against Atlético de Madrid with groin injury

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced to leave the team’s match against Manchester City in the return leg of the Champions League’s Round of 16 with a minor groin injury he picked up during his warm-up routine at the Etihad Stadium. As of right now, Courtois is considerded ‘doubtful’ for Sunday’s Madrid Derby against […]

Jorge Valdano praises Arbeloa: “Suddenly there is a photo of five academy players in one snapshot, we have to give him merit”

Jorge Valdano has highlighted Real Madrid’s growing reliance on academy players, this time pointing directly to Alvaro Arbeloa’s role in driving that shift. Speaking on Movistar+, the former Real Madrid player, coach, and sporting director pointed to a symbolic moment that reflects a broader change within the team. “Suddenly there is a photo with five […]

“Xabi Alonso was one of the worst Real Madrid coaches in recent years”

Real Madrid’s qualification for the Champions League quarter-finals sparked strong reactions across Spanish radio, with Radio MARCA’s La Tribu offering a blunt assessment. Javier Tinto, speaking alongside Pedro Riesco, Emilio Pérez de Rozas, Paul Tenorio and Nacho Palencia, praised Madrid’s performance while also drawing sharp conclusions about the managerial transition from Xabi Alonso to alvaro […]

Seedorf on coaching Valverde at Deportivo La Coruna: “After 10 minutes, I knew I would play with him and 10 more”

Fede Valverde has emerged as one of Real Madrid’s defining figures in their Champions League tie against Manchester City. His impact was decisive across both legs—three goals in the first match to tilt the tie, followed by a tireless, all-action performance in Manchester that combined defensive sacrifice with attacking support. Clarence Seedorf, a former Real […]

MLS

Mijatovic: “There are two very different Madrids – the Champions League vs La Liga”

Pedja Mijatovic spoke to Cadena Ser radio after the UCL tie and believes Real Madrid’s identity in Europe continues to separate them from their domestic struggles. “Champions is Real Madrid’s competition” The former striker explained that while Madrid have shown inconsistency in La Liga, they transform on European nights. “In the domestic competition they have […]

Managing Madrid Podcast | Madrid Mornings: Onto the QFs! (@City, 1-2)

In this episode of Madrid Mornings, Lucas shares his thoughts on Real Madrid’s win against Manchester City in the return leg. 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 […]

OPEN THREAD | March 18, 2026

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 Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, Ezek Ix and yours truly, Valyrian Steel. Chaotic but Madrid knock City out. […]

Three questions and three answers from Manchester City 1-2 (1-5 agg.) Real Madrid

Real Madrid booked their ticket to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by securing a 2-1 win on the night in northern England against Manchester City to wrap up a 5-1 aggregate win. Vinícius Júnior scored both goals, a penalty and a late tap in, either side of an Erling Haaland finish from close range shortly […]

NFL

Managing Madrid Podcast: Manchester City 1 – 2 Real Madrid, Post-game Reaction, Champions League 2025 – 2026

On this ⁠Members-only episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast⁠, Kiyan Sobhani gives his thoughts directly from the Etihad after Real Madrid eliminate Manchester City. Discussed: The performances of Güler, Brahim, Huijsen, Pitarch, Vinicius, Fran Garcia, and much more, including the terrific job from Alvaro Arbeloa. CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS Did you enjoy this podcast? Get […]

Player Ratings: Manchester City 1 – 2 Real Madrid

Player Ratings: Manchester City 1 – 2 Real Madrid Starters Thibaut Courtois — 8Produced four important saves in the first half and commanded his area well, especially on set pieces. Could do little about the goal conceded. Forced off at halftime due to injury. Trent Alexander-Arnold — 5A difficult night defensively. Jeremy Doku consistently caused […]

Thiago Pitarch: “We Came Here to Win, Not Just Defend the Result”

Thiago Pitarch spoke with calm maturity after Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Manchester City at the Etihad, a result that sealed a dominant 5-1 aggregate triumph. Despite the pressure of the occasion, the young midfielder highlighted the team’s control, ambition, and belief throughout the night. Madrid entered the second leg with a significant advantage, but […]

Top 10 Players: Manchester City 1-2 Real Madrid

Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium, completing a 5-1 aggregate victory over Manchester City. Despite going down to ten men early on following Bernardo Silva’s red card, City pushed hard throughout — particularly in the second half. Arda Güler was comfortably the best […]

Vinicius Jr: “Last season the fans here provoked me”

Vinicius Jr delivered when it mattered most, scoring both goals in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Manchester City to seal a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory. After the match, the Brazilian spoke to Movistar about the significance of the performance, Madrid’s growth as a team, and the mindset heading into the next round. For Vinicius, the […]

Guardiola: “10 against 9, with a 4-0 lead for them, it was impossible.”

Pep Guardiola cut a reflective and, at times, frustrated and sarcastic figure after Manchester City were eliminated by Real Madrid, losing 2-1 at the Etihad and 5-1 on aggregate. While quick to congratulate Alvaro Arbeloa’s side, Guardiola repeatedly pointed to the circumstances of the tie — particularly the inability to see it through on equal […]

Courtois Injury Forces Halftime Change as Lunin Steps Up in Madrid’s Win Over City

Real Madrid’s victory over Manchester City came with a moment of concern midway through the night, as Thibaut Courtois was unable to continue after the first half due to an adductor issue. Álvaro Arbeloa was forced into a change at the break, introducing Andriy Lunin — a familiar figure in high-stakes European nights, particularly after […]

Arbeloa to Managing Madrid: “Güler and Huijsen had a great impact”

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media after their 2-1 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. Kiyan Sobhani of Managing Madrid asked him about Arda Güler’s massive performance, and the way he helped Real Madrid keep the ball, to which he said: “Well we knew that Manchester City […]

Immediate Reaction: Manchester City 1-2 Real Madrid

Manchester City 1-2 Real Madrid (Vinícius Júnior x2). Through to the next round… This is the immediate reaction to the peculiar win. Get more: Player ratings, interviews and a podcast. A 3-0 lead rarely feels so uncomfortable, but Real Madrid would have to maintain or extend this scoreline against Manchester City in order to go through to […]

CONFIRMED lineups: Manchester City vs Real Madrid, 2026 Champions League

It’s Real Madrid vs. Manchester City in the Champions League! Again! This time, Los Blancos have a 3-0 lead on aggregate, but they should expect Guardiola’s men to come out guns blazing at least during the first thirty minutes of the game. This game has the ingredients to be yet another instant classic between these […]

Thiago Pitarch provides much needed spark to Real Madrid’s defensive structure

In a short time, 18 year-old Thiago Pitarch has become an indispensable part of Álvaro Arbeloa’s 11, starting each of the Real Madrid’s last four matches.  The teenage midfielder’s exceptional defensive effort is a big part of what has made him a first-team starter. According to UEFA physical data, Pitarch totaled 10.93 kilometers against City […]

Inside Real Madrid’s Defining Night at the Etihad: Belief, Chaos, and the Road to La Decimoquinta

Real Madrid’s latest documentary, In the Heart of the 15th, pulls back the curtain on the club’s Champions League run, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the emotional and psychological journey to Wembley. Among the many chapters revisited, the quarter-final clash against Manchester City stands out as a defining moment—one that perfectly encapsulates the club’s identity. […]

Manchester City vs Real Madrid, 2026 Champions League: Predicted lineups

Real Madrid visit Manchester City in the return leg of the Champions League’s Round of 16 and the main question mark is on Kylian Mbappé and Álvaro Carreras, who are available and could play some minutes, even if their presence in the starting lineup is still questionable. Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Trent, Huijsen, Rüdiger, […]

OPEN THREAD | March 17, 2026

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 Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, Ezek Ix and yours truly, Valyrian Steel. Matchday!! Etihad awaits. It will be […]

NFL

Antonio Rüdiger: “I’ve been in many matches like this, you work for these moments”

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger spoke to the media ahead of his team’s game against Manchester City in the Champions League. He was asked about the game, to which he said: “I’ve been in many matches like this. I won the Champions League with Real Madrid. You work for these matches, these moments. We’ve played […]