Real Madrid And The New Champions League Format

On this episode of Las Blancas Podcast, hosts Yash Thakur and Kanita Tafro discuss Real Madrid's 1-3 win over Levante Badalona in Liga F. Talking points: How predictable have Toril’s lineups become? Conceding from a set piece...again Lack of presence from Eva Navarro and the effect of the passive right flank Antonia’s first start How the introduction of Feller in the second half changed the game Alba Redondo’s first goals in the league and first brace in white Athenea’s injury and her availability throughout the years Who should take Athenea’s place - Navarro or Feller? MVP of the match Rocío’s 100th game for Real Madrid Problems of a professional league Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon for more bonus content: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid 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 Madrid fans to connect and discuss the team. We would like your support so that we can continue to produce podcasts for you. 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 us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and its podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Yash Thakur (@Odriozolite) Kanita Tafro (@KaniFroh) Las Blancas (@Las_Blancas) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While Xabi Alonso’s success at Bayer Leverkusen has created a compelling narrative about his potential return to the Bernabéu, the tactical reality might tell a different story. Alonso’s 2nd full season at Leverkusen has started off rough with the German outfit experiencing 5 draws and a loss in their first 10 Bundesliga games. New central midfield signing Aleix García has, as of November 11th, been benched and not been fully integrated. In this episode, Siddharth Ramsundar is joined by new guest Ardit Karagjyzi (known on twitter as Loconté) to dive deep beyond narratives into Alonso’s coaching philosophy at Leverkusen, analyzing his reliance on physicality and athleticism, his game-state dependent approach, heavy reliance on width and surprising similarities to Carlo Ancelotti’s reactive style. From his width-oriented 3-at-the-back system in possession to his unique usage of players like Xhaka and Boniface, we examine how his tactical setup might translate to Real Madrid’s context. We ponder his current limitations, questioning whether his emphasis on off-ball structure over possession mastery makes him the ideal candidate to lead Los Blancos into their next era. Our guest Ardit presents a detailed critique of Alonso’s tactical approach, highlighting concerns about defensive structure and over-reliance on athleticism, while Sid offers a contrasting perspective on why these elements might actually benefit Madrid. The discussion extends to fascinating comparisons with other potential candidates, such as praising Klopp’s intensity and questioning its toll on players, pondering whether Julian Nagelsmann was hard done at Bayern, while asking whether Alonso’s pressing philosophy might offer advantages over even Zidane’s reliable approach. Through this debate, we examine whether Madrid truly needs a revolutionary change or if Alonso’s evolution of the current system, combined with improved pressing and tactical flexibility, could be the perfect balance for the club’s future. This nuanced analysis goes beyond surface-level narratives to explore what Real Madrid genuinely requires in its next managerial appointment, offering listeners a comprehensive view of one of football’s most intriguing discussions: who should next coach Real Madrid? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Link to Toronto event: https://tinyurl.com/bdr54xdw On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani, Sam Leveridge, and Mehedi Hassan discuss Real Madrid's 4 - 0 win over Osasuna: The devastating injuries to Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, and Lucas Vazquez An oral history of successful Castilla players in Real Madrid history Raul Asencio's La Liga debut Will Real Madrid sign someone this winter? The performances of Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Jr, and Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid's defense Jesus Fortea And much more. Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. 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 Madrid fans to connect and discuss the team. We would like your support so that we can continue to produce podcasts for you. 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 us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Sam Leveridge (@SamLeveridge) Mehedi Hassan (@MHassanFootball) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Castilla Corner podcast, Hridyam Arora, Sam Sharpe and OkDiario’s Ben Fernandes discuss: The draw with Atletico Madrid B Was it a better performance than usual? What was good about it? A debate on whether Raul Ascencio is good enough for Real Madrid Castilla or not Jesus Fortea — why is he still with Juvenil A? The experience these days of covering Castilla games And much, much more. 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 Madrid fans to connect and discuss the team. We would like your support so that we can continue to produce podcasts for you. 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 us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Sam Sharpe (@CastillaStats) Hridyam Arora (@hridarora) Ben Fernandes (@benfeerr) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Las Blancas Podcast, hosts Yash Thakur and Kanita Tafro talk about the victory against Madrid CFF and the October international break. Talking points: Big podcast announcement Toril continues with heavy rotation Kamilla Melgård’s domination over Las Blancas Bruun’s performance for Denmark - a brace against South Africa The distribution of minutes among Spanish Madridistas Lakrar with France, and an update of Feller Caicedo for Colombia - the only Madridista with 180 minutes Weir for Scotland in WEURO 2025 play-offs - a comeback and a goal Angeldahl for Sweden in WEURO 2025 play-offs and her 3 goals against Luxembourg Floods in Valencia Did you enjoy this podcast? Please consider supporting us through Patreon for more bonus content: Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid 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 Madrid fans to connect and discuss the team. We would like your support so that we can continue to produce podcasts for you. 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 us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and its podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Yash Thakur (@Odriozolite) Kanita (@KaniFroh) Las Blancas (@Las_Blancas) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Link to Toronto event: https://tinyurl.com/bdr54xdw On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Siddharth Ramsundar discuss all of Real Madrid's issues against AC Milan (as well as last season), who is to blame for all of the problems, Carlo Ancelotti's future, possible replacements, Real Madrid's defensive line, lack of signings, individual performances, Ancelotti's post-game quotes, and much more. Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. 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 Madrid fans to connect and discuss the team. We would like your support so that we can continue to produce podcasts for you. 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 us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Matt Wiltse (@Matt_MM) Siddharth Ramsundar (@TacticalFouling) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Link to Toronto event: https://tinyurl.com/bdr54xdw On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Matt Wiltse discuss: Eye opening 2nd half stats from El Clasico Kylian Mbappe’s disinterest in playing defence How Dani Olmo destroyed Real Madrid off the bench Luka Modric’s presence in midfield and what it means for the team defensively Should Jude Bellingham play in an advanced position? The lack of 1) Free kick specialists; 2) aerial presence The lack of progressive passing Carlo Ancelotti's 2nd half subs The important of Eduardo Camavinga being on the field at all times What changes can Ancelotti make to to turn this around? And more Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. 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 Madrid fans to connect and discuss the team. We would like your support so that we can continue to produce podcasts for you. 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 us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Matt Wiltse (@Matt_MM) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Link to Toronto event: https://tinyurl.com/bdr54xdw On this episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Kiyan Sobhani and Angelo Valdes discuss the top 30 players in the Ballon D’or, their ranking within it, and whether they should actually be in it (and who wrongfully missed out). Join our Real Madrid Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/rTD2PmE26f Did you enjoy this podcast? Get a ton of bonus content exclusively on Patreon.com/ManagingMadrid. 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 Madrid fans to connect and discuss the team. We would like your support so that we can continue to produce podcasts for you. 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 us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Angelo Valdes (@MrAngeloValdes) Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Managing Madrid podcast, Siddharth Ramsundar hosts Mazin Mukhtar discuss Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical struggles in the 2024/25 season so far. This episode is an update on an initial one earlier in the season when we first discussed the need for Ancelotti to coach more fine tuned details and patterns into this team in the absence of Toni Kroos, which obviously hasn’t happened since. An overview of the main talking points and analysis from the episode are presented here prior to the episode below: Contents: Ancelotti’s rough start Pressing without sufficient ball pressure Buildup: the first pass is too fast and plays into the opposition’s hands The Mbappe integration challenge Final third contradictions: full backs providing false width, wide attackers box crashing The Bayern Munich warning signs: players organized their own training sessions Potential solutions 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 with updated news, op-eds, tactical analyses, artwork, and of course, podcasts. It also serves as a means for Real Madrid fans to connect and discuss the team. We would like your support so that we can continue to produce podcasts for you. 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 us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Siddharth Ramsundar (@TacticalFouling) Mazin Mukhtar (@MazinMuk) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the Castilla Corner podcast, Hridyam Arora and Sam Sharpe discuss: Another draw, this time to Algeciras Where were Real Madrid Castilla this time last season? Alvaro Arbeloa as a coach next season The desperate need for an influx of talent Jesus Fortea Why do Real Madrid always get ex-players as academy / Castilla coaches? Our opinion on the most recent Clasico And much more. 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 Madrid fans to connect and discuss the team. We would like your support so that we can continue to produce podcasts for you. 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 us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going. Hosts this week: Sam Sharpe (@CastillaStats) Hridyam Arora (@hridarora) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices