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Managing Madrid

Dominating European football since March 6th 1902

Latest Entries

Mastantuono Earns Late Argentina Call-Up Ahead of World Cup Preparations

Franco Mastantuono has been called up to the Argentine national team, just one day after initially being left out of Lionel Scaloni’s squad. In a late adjustment, Scaloni added Mastantuono alongside Strasbourg forward Joaquín Panichelli, completing the group ahead of Argentina’s final match of their current preparatory tour. The Albiceleste are set to face Mauritania […]

Real Madrid Boosted by Key Returns Ahead of Crucial Madrid Derby Clash

Real Madrid continued their preparations for Sunday’s Madrid derby with another training session at Valdebebas, as Alvaro Arbeloa’s side edges closer to a crucial LaLiga clash against Atlético at the Santiago Bernabéu. The session began indoors, with the players working in the gym before moving out onto the pitch. Once outside, the focus shifted to […]

OPEN THREAD | March 20, 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. Massive Blow. As confirmed by the […]

Arbeloa’s biggest strength might be understanding Real Madrid itself

As “over-the-top” or “corny” as some of his comments to the media can be, Alvaro Arbeloa is undeniably “un hombre de la casa.” He is as much a Madridista as anyone—arguably more than most. Few understand the club’s history, traditions, and internal demands the way he does. Some will argue that it counts for little […]

Arbeloa Is Starting To Find His Rhythm

When Real Madrid appointed Alvaro Arbeloa in lieu of Xabi Alonso mid-season, there was little hope or optimism for a turnaround. The club churned in one of its worst seasons in modern history two seasons ago, under Carlo Ancelotti. One season later, they turned to Alonso, an entirely different kind of manager, to fix the […]

BREAKING: Courtois out six weeks with quad injury

Real Madrid have published a medical report on goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who suffered a quad injury during his pre-game routine ahead of the return leg against Manchester City. The Belgian star will miss around six weeks with this injury, which is devastating news for Madrid considering that he will miss crucial games like the ones […]

OPEN THREAD | March 19, 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. A major concern right now. One […]

Bacary Sagna to Managing Madrid: “The bicycle kicks Cristiano scored is proof of how versatile he was”

Former Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has reflected on the challenge of facing Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2016 Champions League semi-final, describing the Portuguese forward as a uniquely complete and unpredictable opponent. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Managing Madrid, Sagna pointed to Ronaldo’s efficiency in front of goal as the defining trait that made […]

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 […]