Real Madrid & Barcelona News
Latest headlines pulled from major football outlets. Click any story to read it on the source site.
- Guardian Football·6h ago·Real Madrid·opinion
The Premier League is back: welcome to the new era of post-verdict unreality | Barney Ronay
As the top flight returns, armed with the knowledge its serial champions have been the authors of a 10-year sham supremacy, the first question is simple: how is it going to feel? The internet: an apology. It turns out you were right. It was actually a simulation all along. Now, talk to me about chemtrails again. And yes, maybe Vinícius Júnior has been replaced by a handsome, baffled-looking waxwork. Welcome to the weirdest weekend of them all. We are now post-judgment, post-statement, postlapsarian. As the Premier League prepares to snap back into what must be described, out of habit, as reality, armed with the knowledge its serial champions have been the authors of a 10-year sham supremacy, the first question is fairly simple. How is it going to feel? Continue reading...
- Guardian Football·8d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Shaw secures WCL draw against Real Madrid as Manchester City show spirit after week of turmoil
Andrée Jeglertz, the Manchester City head coach, said the noise surrounding the guilty verdict dished out by the Premier League had zero impact on his women’s team’s performance after they played out a high-quality draw with Real Madrid in the Women’s Champions League. Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw’s ruthless finish earned City a point against an impressive Real Madrid side on a night when the hosts were surely glad for attentions to turn – however briefly – towards on-pitch matters after a week when the wider football club has dominated the headlines for the wrong reasons. Continue reading...
- Managing Madrid·12d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Retro Visual Analysis: That Night in Munich
MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 29: Sergio Ramos (C) of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Real Madrid at Allianz Arena on April 29, 2014 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) | Getty Images En route to Lisbon to conquer La Decima, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid handed Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich one of their most devastating defeats of the 21st century. The 4-0 scoreline is widely attributed to Pep Guardiola’s overthinking and last-minute change in tactics in the years that followed. However, the reality is that Real Madrid simply executed their transition and set-piece plan brutally well to demolish the reigning European champions at that time. 16% of the field-tilt and 49 passes in the final third, compared to Bayern’s 266 – is all Madrid needed to stun a team that was considered to be unbeatable. Madrid had also defeated them 1-0 a week earlier in the first leg, though. After 15 minutes, Sergio Ramos met Luka Modric’s corner in the middle of the box and headed it in to open the scoring. Four minutes later, Pepe won Ángel Di María’s free kick in the air and knocked it on for Ramos, who headed in to make it 2-0. On 88 minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo scored with his right foot directly from a free kick 23 metres out to make it 4-0. The three chances were worth 0.29 npxG between them. Real Madrid had eight attacking restarts – five free kicks and three corners – and six of them ended in a shot. All but one of the eight were taken with Real Madrid ahead. Ronaldo took three of them, more than anyone else. Set pieces supplied 0.49 of their 1.52 npxG. Four of the shots came straight off the delivery and two from the second phase, after the first contact. Three of their five deliveries went into the middle of the box. Bayern got to one of Real Madrid’s five contested deliveries first, and Real Madrid won the only aerial duel at the first contact. Real Madrid won the tie against Bayern 5-0 on aggregate and defeated Atletico Madrid 4-1 (AET) in the final to clinch the title in Lisbon after a 12-year wait.
- Football España·16d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Real Madrid Defends Its TV Channel After Gara Comparison
Real Madrid TV gets a public defence from the club after journalist Juanma Castaño compared it with newspaper Gara in an ABC column. The post Real Madrid Defends Its TV Channel After Gara Comparison appeared first on Football España.
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- Managing Madrid·16d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Tebas replies to Real Madrid’s statement asking for him to step down as La Liga president
La Liga president Javier Tebas posted a reply to Real Madrid’s statement asking for him to step down as La Liga president following his comments about the controversy during Sunday’s Madrid Derbi against Atlético de Madrid. I have read the statement. I fully agree with one sentence: the president of LaLiga is not the owner of the competition. Neither is the president of Real Madrid. Representing all clubs requires defending equality and fairness among them. Also when it is stated that “LaLiga is worth nothing” without Real Madrid or that the referees harm “the business that feeds them.” On those assertions, which motivated my response, your statement says not a word. Now they hide behind the fact that I responded to an “independent” journalist. But neither the narrative is new, nor is the strategy of diverting attention from other problems. They have been doing it for years from Real Madrid TV and through their spokespeople, talking and writing about a rigged League week after week. Don’t pretend to present as an outside opinion the discourse they fuel from their own television and from within the club. They demand that I contribute to generating confidence in the impartiality of the competition. Precisely for that reason, I reject the narrative that referees are directed against Real Madrid. Criticizing a referee’s decision is legitimate. Turning every perceived harm into proof of a persecution is another thing. Does that generate confidence or does it damage the image of Spanish football? They confuse neutrality with independence. If by neutrality they mean not taking sides on anything, not even between what is right and what is wrong, they are asking me to renounce my responsibility. Independence requires deciding with one’s own judgment, without pressures or subordination, applying the same rules to everyone and defending the common interest. That implies making decisions and taking a stand, even if Real Madrid doesn’t like it. Defending the interests of a club does not mean adopting its discourse. And representing everyone does not mean obeying the most powerful. The interests of the competition, of LaLiga, must be defended. I am not the owner of LaLiga, nor will I manage it as if it belonged to a single club. I respect everyone. Subordination to no one. Source: Tebas’ X account
- Managing Madrid·21d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Mbappé: “Mourinho is one of the smartest people I’ve ever met”
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé talked to Diario AS in an interview which was published Thursday night. The French star talked about the current season and had nothing but praise for coach José Mourinho. “All four of Ancelotti, Alonso, Arbeloa and Mourinho are important figures in the game. It’s always a privilege to be part of their journeys. I learned things from each of them because they all see soccer differently. They’re winners, and you always learn from winners. But it’s true that with Mourinho, it’s different. He’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. A true leader. I knew that before he arrived, but when you work with him every day, you realize what a special person and legendary coach he is. He’s someone who has defined an era and will continue to do so with us. I’m sure of it,” he said. Mbappé addressed the critics who say that he is just a goalscorer. “That’s their opinion. Over the years I’ve learned that everyone in soccer has an opinion, and you have to accept that. Sometimes people see the game the way you do; sometimes they don’t. There isn’t just one way to play soccer. There are millions of ways. That’s why I’m always willing to listen. Some people simply want to provoke or criticize. But when someone wants to talk soccer with structure and ideas behind their arguments, I’m always open to that discussion. You can learn from it as well,” he explained. He was asked about who he feels more comfortable with on the field between Vinicius and Bellingham. “They’re very different players. They do completely different things on the field. In some aspects of the game, it’s easier with Jude. In others, it’s Vini, or Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz, Yan Diomande, Carlos Espí… Espí is going to score a lot of goals this season. He has a real knack for finding the net,” he said. You can read Mbappé’s full interview with AS here.
- Managing Madrid·27d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
DAILY THREAD | Sep 12, 2026
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 10: Eduardo Camavinga, player of Real Madrid, in action during a training session at Ciudad Deportiva Real Madrid on September 10, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Real Madrid via Getty Images) | Real Madrid via Getty Images 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. Gameday!! Rayo at the Bernabeu. 📋✅ Our squad for the match! 🆚 @RayoVallecano pic.twitter.com/MIlOF9Iue1 — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 11, 2026 If we stopped creating then it’s time to worry. All the microanalysis wouldn’t matter if Real Madrid put their chances away. 🗣️: @KiyanSo pic.twitter.com/Gus73y4A8N — Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) September 12, 2026 Franco Mastantuono takes flight. 🚨 FRANCO MASTANTUONO HATTRICK!!!! pic.twitter.com/OTgKoIPKQs — Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 11, 2026 🚨 RECORD: Franco Mastantuono is the YOUNGEST PLAYER EVER to score a hat-trick for Fiorentina in a Serie A match. pic.twitter.com/fBztYB66e1 — Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 11, 2026
- Managing Madrid·28d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Kylian Mbappe: “Everyone has known for years what I can do”
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 08: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images Kylian Mbappe spoke to L’Equipe in an interview recently, where he was asked about how people ‘forget about’ his goalscoring and focus on his lack of defense and pressing. He replied: “I don’t think it’s normal, but that’s the life of someone who’s been close to excellence for years. I’m no longer new in this game. Everyone has known for years what I can do. And I think that’s where the human element comes in. It’s human to always look at what someone isn’t doing. When someone has been doing it for ten years, we stop looking at what they’re doing. We know they can do it. So we always try to look at what they aren’t doing. From that point on, it’s not something I take personally.” Mbappe on criticism “I think I have a healthy relationship with criticism. Because there’s constructive criticism and then there’s the kind that’s a bit more foolish. It’s not something that scares me when I have to make a decision. I don’t tell myself I’m going to be criticised. If I know that, for me, it’s the right decision, or that it might not be the right one but it’s necessary, I think my past actions have proven it: I go straight ahead and do it.” Mbappe on his goals ‘hurting the team’ “That makes no sense. Because if I don’t score, people will tell me why didn’t you score. Besides, I’ve learned that when you’re a footballer, in every match you play, there are millions of coaches. And not all coaches are happy at home. Everyone has their own opinion, but I think the goal of football is to score goals, to score one more than the opponent. A player who scores goals will never be a problem for a team, because I’ve never seen a team win a title without scoring any goals.” Mbappe on the dictator memes “There’s one that’s funny because you can tell for some people it’s just harmless fun. There’s another part that’s a little less funny because we know the damage these kinds of people have caused throughout history. To be compared to murderers, or who have made millions and millions of people miserable. I don’t think I’ve done that in my life. So there’s a mixture of things. On the one hand, I know it’s meant in a light-hearted way and that people don’t mean it to go that far, but sometimes it shows a lack of political and human awareness among people. Ousmane joking about it? He is different. He picked it up from social media. With him, it’s just for laughs.”
- Managing Madrid·29d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Analysis: How Real Madrid’s Press Looked Against Inter Milan
Federico Valverde central midfield of Real Madrid and Uruguay shooting to goal and score his first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 8, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Real Madrid’s starting 11 realized 153 pressures, including 18 counterpressures (pressures shortly after losing possession) compared to 103 pressures by Inter Milan starters on Tuesday evening. While those figures in and of itself are not surprising given that Madrid had only 36% of the possession during the match, a deeper dive into those numbers tells a much more compelling story. Pressures (including counterpressures) by Real Madrid starting 11 against Inter Milan (Graphic provided by Mohammad Adnan) Real Madrid’s first goal was the result of a high press as Trent Alexander-Arnold, playing in a double pivot for the first time with the club, came up field to mark former teammate Curtis Jones, leading to an errant pass from Jones that Brahim Díaz collected before finding Kylian Mbappé for Madrid’s opening goal in the 14th minute. It was a an opportune moment for Alexander-Arnold to register his only pressure in the final third. Madrid’s second goal was also the result of a high press as Fede Valverde’s pressure on Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez in the 23rd minute led directly to Madrid’s second goal. As demonstrated in the graphic above, it was one of 12 pressures Madrid realized inside Inter’s penalty area. Valverde led Madrid with 29 pressures, including a team high 12 in the defensive third of the pitch. That is a stark contrast to last season when Valverde averaged just over 10 pressures per 90 minutes in La Liga, only slightly more than Kylian Mbappé in that defensive metric. Jude Bellingham was second on the team with 26 pressures against Inter, leading the team with 13 in the middle third of the pitch. Bellingham’s 11.2 kilometers also led the team. One of Bellingham’s pressures in the 20th minute led to a tackle of Nicola Barella, dispossessing the Italian midfielder of the ball and allowing Vinicius to dribble into the Inter box, only a last second tackle from Benjamin Pavard preventing the Brazilian from getting off a shot. The Englishman was third on the team last season in pressures in league play, only behind Vinicius and Arda Güler, and second in pressures per 90 minutes. Real Madrid pressures (including counterpressures) against Inter Milan by where they occurred on the pitch Madrid’s forward line, which has been heavily criticized for its lack of pressing and overall defensive effort, demonstrated a much more eager approach to contribute defensively on Tuesday evening. Much has been written about Vinicius Jr’s nine ball recoveries in the match, the most by a Madrid forward in a Champions League match since Gonzalo Higuaín in 2008. Six of the nine recoveries were on Madrid’s half of the field, including five in the defensive third. The Brazilian was third on the team with 21 pressures against Inter, leading Madrid with 11 pressures in the final third while adding eight pressures in the defensive third — further testament of his willingness to track back to defend. Vinicius also added two tackles and an interception. According to Opta data, those three defensive actions represent half of the Brazilian’s six defensive actions in 14 Champions League matches last season. One of Madrid’s nine big chances came right before halftime and was initiated by a Kylian Mbappé interception at the halfway line, leading to the Frenchman’s shot, Bellingham unable to find the back of the net on the ensuing rebound thanks to a fine save from Martínez. Mbappé also had a clearance inside Madrid’s box. According to Opta data, those two defensive actions are already half of the Frenchman’s four defensive actions last season in 11 Champions League matches. While Brahim’s three big chances created, including 1 assist, will get most of the headlines, Mourinho will be equally pleased with his 19 pressures in 79 minutes, including 10 pressures in the middle third of the field. Brahim’s ability to track back likely played a big part in Mourinho’s decision to include him in the starting 11.
- Managing Madrid·31d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Pre-game Thoughts: Real Madrid vs Inter Milan, Champions League Matchday 1
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 08: General view inside the stadium before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images I have done many silly things in my life, but I’m not entirely sure anything will top this level of silliness: Writing a pre-game piece, less than three hours before kick-off, that will probably age horribly. But I am here to entertain you and be of service, with the important duty of keeping your mind occupied for a brief period on a Real Madrid matchday which tends to go by very slowly because we’re all waiting for the game to start while we twiddle our thumbs. Special shoutout to lucky Hawaiians, who can essentially wake-and-bake and roll over to the TV set in their pyjamas. WATCH: Real Madrid vs Inter Milan Preview Podcast for Members I have mixed feelings about this game. There is part of me that feels the same about tonight as I did against Malaga: Bernabeu home opener in a major tournament, a charged atmosphere, and a motivated Real Madrid = W. I think this is a great opportunity to have a mental rebound following the Real Betis debacle, and, a win against a big European club is also a chance to prove that what happened in La Cartuja was a freak occurrence that came down to bad finishing (and a poor second half, which. was a direct result of the bad finishing.) But Inter are perfect party poopers. Without getting carried away through three games (and they very well may be humbled tonight), they do look great so far, and are riding a momentous 3-2 comeback against Napoli after going down two goals in the second half — capped off by a 91st minute game winner by Lautaro Martinez. Cristian Chivu is somewhat of a Jose Mourinho protégé, but with his own twist in tactics. He’s adopted a lot of Jose’s man-management skills, but opts for a 3-5-2, with a scheme that offers more attacking aggressiveness than his predecessor Simone Inzaghi. While Chivu’s blueprint is more than capable of dropping into a deep, compact, low block, they are also very daring offensively, are very fluid off the ball in the final third, and like to pin and press opponents. Not having both Arda Güler and Bernardo Silva available to help escape pressure will be tricky, and there will be a lot of onus on Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold (who I presume will start because either Yan Diomande or Brahim Diaz will be on the right-wing). (Trent starting is perhaps one of the things that will age poorly from this article, but it’s an assumption given that so far Mourinho deploys him only if Arda is not on the wing with him.) Inter are very deep this year, and they have a lot of options off the bench, and Chivu also has some headaches to figure out because of his deeper roster. He rotated against Napoli, and one of the key game-changers off the bench, Curtis Jones, may start tonight, and for good reason. He’s a really gifted midfield controller who can win balls in midfield, escape pressure, and pass at an elite clip. If he starts, Nico Barella could sit. And then there’s also Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Piotr Zieliński. Inter’s strength is their midfield, and that will suit them just fine given that Real Madrid are depleted there with suspensions to Silva, Güler, and Eduardo Camavinga. But Inter are also missing a key piece: Federico Dimarco. Dimarco is vital in Chivu’s scheme as someone who can bomb up the left-flank (and could’ve potentially punished Trent’s defensive positioning) while putting in deadly balls across goal. Dimarco was essentially built for a 3-5-2 system, and his loss is huge for Inter. On the Real Madrid side of things, I’m very intrigued with how Mourinho will set up the midfield, and, to be clear, I’m actually more intrigued (rather than worried), because the suspensions force a shake-up, namely, Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde are the best double-pivot options at this stage on paper, which means Brahim Diaz can play the 10 (something he did regularly at AC Milan), and Yan Diomande can get his first start alongside Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe — a sneak peak at what feels like the inevitable front-three for the next few years. I will never be concerned about Bellingham playing as an 8. He is elite there. What I predict will happen, though: Bellingham will have a great game in midfield, and a lot of people won’t see it because he won’t have a goal or assist to show for, despite doing a ton of important things. That’s how football analysis works, unfortunately. There is one small chance I’d keep an eye on (but would be surprised to see): If Mourinho wants to keep Bellingham as the 10 for continuity purposes, he could also plug in Jorge Cestero alongside Valverde, which is risky, for obvious reasons. I would be even more surprised if Aurelien Tchouameni or Thiago Pitarch — both in the matchday squad — start given their fitness levels. But, I am prepared for this article to age horribly one way or another. Enjoy the match tonight, and congratulations to Daniel Yañez who put Inter Milan’s youth team in a blender earlier today. Daniel Yañez is currently barbecuing Inter's youth team — Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) September 8, 2026
- Managing Madrid·32d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Kylian Mbappe: “We all need to improve defensively, and with the ball too”
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 7: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF speaks during the press conference on day ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 at Ciudad Real Madrid on September 7, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe spoke to the media ahead of their match against Inter at the Bernabeu. He was asked about whether he feels he and Vinicius Jr should take inspiration from PSG and defend despite being attackers, to which he said: “Just me and Vinicius? Of course we have to improve. But that’s perfectly natural. I can say that I score more goals than the PSG players, and they should be scoring more. But I have to be smart and admit that I need to improve, even though I do things the others (PSG players) don’t. But it’s a never-ending debate. We all need to improve in this area. And with the ball too.” Mbappe on the match tomorrow “Very happy to be back playing in the Champions League. We always approach this competition with motivation and enthusiasm. We’re in good shape. We’re going to play a very demanding match, but this is the Champions League and it’s a pleasure.” Mbappe on his compatibility with Vinicius Jr “It’s just one opinion among millions about Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world. I can’t control everything that’s said. We all have the same goal, which is to win titles. And we can’t control people’s opinions. We listen, we try to improve, and we move forward.” Mbappe on working better with Vini and Jude Bellingham “I’m not interested in removing players from the squad. People like it, the press does too, and that’s normal, because that’s what sells. I don’t know about you, but I’m focused on the team, on how we can improve. And win titles.” Mbappe on the Ballon d’Or “When you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, you’re associated with these awards. When people see me in the street, they talk about it. It’s an award that’s very positive for every player. I’ve made a lot of history this summer in the most important competition. But there’s still a long way to go. And people are free to think who the best player in the world is.” Mbappe on not winning major trophies ‘I’m only thinking about the upcoming matches. My experience tells me this is a long road, that every day… well, you have to think about how to help the team. And that’s all for now.“ Mbappe on whether he thinks he is the best in the world “I always do, but it’s a very personal thing. Everyone has their own opinion. Some will think yes, others no. It’s a debate… and not everyone has to think like me. This year might be a good one to win the Ballon d’Or, but it’s voted on by journalists, and they’ll be the ones to choose.” Mbappe on whether he would score less if it meant winning trophies “And I buy fewer, too. Even 30. I’m not going to say it’s a debate for people who don’t play football, but it is an absurd one. If I score 40 and we’re fighting for the league, Champions League, cup… should I stop scoring goals because if I score too many… won’t we win? Of course I want to win titles, but it’s not a question of choosing. You have to do both. Score goals and win trophies.” Mbappe on whether the loss vs Spain was the hardest of his career “It was difficult. The most… I don’t know. Because I’ve lost a World Cup final and a Champions League final. But! I think it was a very beautiful competition for the country, because of the image we projected. We can’t always win the World Cup, because it’s not always possible. But we’re always hungry. The day you lose that hunger is the day you’re out.” Mbappe on being a leader at Real Madrid “I have two different contexts: the national team and Real Madrid. Of course, in each context I have to take a step forward, but with the national team I’m the captain, and here I’m not. But I want to improve as a player. And not just for France or Real Madrid, but because I want to have a better understanding of the game at any given moment. I’ve had many different coaches, and that has helped me a lot to see how we can adapt to each situation. Because I always say that there are many games in one game. This whole aspect, this management, gives you the maximum amount of information.” Mbappe on what he thinks about PSG winning after he left “Well, I think it’s just another analysis. In the end, talking about myself sells a lot, and I accept that. It’s fine. But it’s just another analysis.”
- Managing Madrid·36d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Asencio breaks silence following court acquittal in explicit video trial and recent DUI fine
Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio issued a social media statement addressing his recent legal proceedings. Asencio has been found innocent in his trial over the alleged sharing of intimate footage involving a minor just a day after the Spanish media published that he was sentenced in a DUI case in his hometown Gran Canaria last month. Today, after a long time of silence and respecting a judicial process in which I always had faith, I can say that I have been acquitted. And I believe the time has come to share a few words. During these months, I have lived through a difficult situation and, at times, I have had to watch as information and opinions about me were published before Justice had its say. I understand and respect the work of the media and the right to report and opine, but I also believe it is important to remember that behind every news story there is a person and a family who live with the consequences of everything that is published. I have always trusted that Justice would eventually set things right. Today there is a judicial resolution that speaks for itself, and I receive it with calm and the satisfaction of being able to close a chapter that has been very important to me. I don’t want to dwell on the noise or the difficult moments. I prefer to hold onto the support of the people who were by my side and who trusted me throughout this time. I want to deeply thank my family, my friends, my agent, my lawyers, and all the people who accompanied me and gave me strength when I needed it most. I also want to thank Real Madrid and everyone at the club who have shown me their trust and allowed me to keep working, growing, and enjoying what I love most: playing football. Throughout this entire process, I have tried to stay on the sidelines, work, and move forward. Today I can do so with the peace of mind of knowing that I always trusted in the truth. To those who spoke about me during these months, I only ask that, now that Justice has spoken, this part of the story can also be told with the same attention. I don’t want to get into controversies or look back. I want to close this chapter with respect, with my head held high, and with a lot of desire to move forward. I also want to address an incident related to a blood alcohol test. I am deeply regretful of what happened and fully accept my responsibility. It has been an experience from which I have learned, and I am very clear that it will not happen again. Now I want to look ahead, keep working, keep growing, and focus on what I love most: playing football. Now it’s my turn to speak. And I absolutely agree with my coach: not only on the field, but off it as well. Hala Madrid. Let no one have the slightest doubt.
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- BBC Sport·40d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Can Chelsea win the league with three at the back? - Given's verdict
Match of the Day pundit Shay Given praises Chelsea's flying wing-backs, backing Xabi Alonso's side to win the Premier League title using a three-at-the-back system.
- Football España·45d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Real Madrid TV Revives Referee Criticism After Espanyol Win
Real Madrid TV has resumed referee analysis after the Espanyol win, renewing scrutiny of the club’s criticism of Spanish officiating. The post Real Madrid TV Revives Referee Criticism After Espanyol Win appeared first on Football España.
- Guardian Football·83d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Tuchel would rather put down the English game than admit to his own cowardice | Jonathan Liew
England’s coach said ball possession is not in the team’s DNA – it’s an opinion that should disqualify him from the job How we talked. On late-night news shows, disembodied heads above a rolling yellow banner. On planes and trains, at bus stops and flower shops and kids’ birthday parties, trying desperately to connect the ennui of the now with the vividness of the later, trying on some level to anticipate the feelings, the blood surge, the heart rush. At the sinks in the office toilets, jerthinktheylldoit, theyactuallymighty’know, shake-shake, and your devastating analysis of the Rice-Anderson-Mainoo triple pivot gets lost in the noise of the hand-dryer. Two years of this. Countless millions sunk on tickets, hotels, Ubers, shirts, pizzas, flags, the hours spent on Google Maps trying to locate somewhere to eat after 11pm in Riga, the endless psychodrama over Jude Bellingham and whether he should have been left at home or not (turns out, not). How we bled and sweated over this, over the minor details of the journey, over whether Danny Welbeck had done enough to earn a place in the squad or not (turns out, not). All pointing towards the moment on Wednesday evening when England are 1-0 up in a World Cup semi-final against Argentina and your entire happiness rests on whether a bunch of millionaire footballers and a millionaire German coach can keep their shit together for 40 minutes, or not. Continue reading...
- Managing Madrid·84d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Tactical Analysis: England And Jude Bellingham’s World Cup Adventure Comes To An End
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Harry Kane #9 of England consoles Jude Bellingham #10 of England after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Julian Finney - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images The England against Argentina game can be divided into two different matches: a game before the second-half hydration break and a different match after. In the first half, both teams had their periods of ball possession, but neither one came close to scoring. England and Argentina created nothing from open play. Harry Kane’s teammates accumulated four touches inside the box, whereas Lionel Messi’s fellows had three. In the second half, the same story continued until England exploited Argentina’s subpar high press. After channeling the ball toward Reece James, Harry Kane dropped into midfield without being marked or followed. He collected the out-in pass from James and clipped the ball to Morgan Rogers behind Tagliafico. The latter cleared the delivery, but Rice collected the loose ball and set up Rogers around the box. The Aston Villa player spotted Gordon lurking around the far post area. The latter attacked Molina’s blindside to put the ball home. After securing the lead, England looked to manage the winning game state by retreating to defend, seizing the right opportunity to counter. Not only that, but Tuchel’s side was close to hurting Argentina from a high regain. Lionel Scaloni took off a midfielder, Leandro Paredes, and brought in a winger, Nico Gonzalez. Argentina’s intentions became clear with the new setup. Good passers behind England’s low block and runners around to receive pinged passes. The first connection between Messi and Gonzalez threatened England’s defensive unity, as Stones cleared Gonzalez’s header toward Tagliafico. England was fortunate thanks to Stones and the offside flag. The second warning from Argentina came right before the hydration break. In the following phase of a corner, Messi and Molina created a 2v1 situation against Gordon, which prevented him from fully committing toward one of them. As a consequence, Messi was able to find an angle to curve his cross toward the central area at the edge of the six-yard box. Argentina generated numerical parity, and Nico Gonzalez sneaked in front of Guehi to head the ball, which Pickford cleared off the line. After the hydration break, Thomas Tuchel switched to a back five, as Esri Konsa replaced Antony Gordon. England defended in a 5-3-2 low block. Space was at a premium around England’s defensive shape. Argentina’s plan revolved around exploiting the half-spaces to deliver early crosses. Scaloni’s side tended to work the ball around and across, manipulating England’s block to generate space and overload on the opposite side. With De Paul’s introduction taking Simeone’s place, Argentina had another player to take advantage of his passing quality to deliver crosses. In this example, after clustering the play on the left half-space, Argentina switched the ball to the right side, where De Paul and Montiel outnumbered Spence. De Paul was comfortable in crossing the ball to Mac Allister, who capitalized on the 3v3 situation across the backline, sneaking behind Anderson. Moreover, Mac Allister attacked the gap between Stones and Konsa, with Bellingham letting him get into a dangerous situation. Liverpool’s midfielder headed the ball toward the post. England seemed to have problems defending the second phases of corners and short deliveries of such dead-ball situations. Argentina’s first goal came after De Paul and Messi overloaded Spence. Elliot Anderson shifted across toward Messi, vacating the space at the edge of the box. Messi spotted Enzo Fernandez in free space and had De Paul ready to receive and cross should he feed him. Enzo Fernandez fired a shot into the middle of the net. Fatigue hindered Thomas Tuchel’s side, as Argentina kept probing. The second minute of injury time was a prime example. Deep in the box, Elliot Anderson retreated into the inside channel to cover Gonzalo Montiel. Nico Gonzalez noticed Mac Allister at the cusp of the box, with Harry Kane watching the ball roll across. Stones and O’Reilly were far away from preventing Mac Allister from shooting and hitting the post. Lionel Messi collected the rebound, whereas Nico O’Reilly shut down the angle inside. Messi looked to go outside and cross the ball with his right foot toward the far post for Lautaro Martinez to bank the second goal. Finally, the field tilt is another window to highlight England’s change of intentions between Gordon and Martinez’s goals. Thomas Tuchel’s side made four passes during this period in the attacking third, whereas Argentina accumulated 160 passes in England’s third. Tuchel’s substitutions left England without outlets to hold onto the ball during critical situations and work out transitions. It was a total switch to a defensive and passive approach that handicapped the team alongside the apparent fatigue on the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. England survived the Mexico game, relying on the same approach. However, the English national team was forced into a defensive approach as the Englishmen were down to ten players. Nonetheless, Argentina is a different breed. The quality of their midfield and the front lines proved their capability to navigate through disadvantageous game states and against deep, low blocks in the Egypt and Switzerland games.
- Guardian Football·87d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Of all England’s great Black footballers, none has been the defining national figure. Until Jude Bellingham | Calum Jacobs
Bellingham has transcended the hostility he has faced from press and pundits to become the emotional and symbolic focal point of the team Months before the World Cup, the familiar chorus of antipathy that had followed Jude Bellingham almost since his emergence on the international stage grew louder. A number of writers, pundits and former professionals questioned whether one of England’s most gifted footballers might prove detrimental to the squad’s harmony. The clearest expression of these arguments appeared in a Daily Mail article in November 2025 beneath one of the most ignominious headlines in English footballing history: “Leave Jude at home.” Amid a wave of criticism directed at Bellingham, Ian Wright felt compelled to defend him on an episode of Stick to Football. Once clipped, his remarks spread rapidly across football’s social media ecosystem and beyond, both because of Wright’s candour, and for placing the hostility directed at Bellingham within a historical tradition of policing Black men’s behaviour. “Someone like Jude, for some reason, frightens these people,” Wright said, before adding: “It’s something you’re taught as a Black man … to keep your head down and be, for want of a better word, a humble fucking slave.” Calum Jacobs is the author of A New Formation: How Black Footballers Shaped the Modern Game and the founder of CARICOM magazine Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...
- Managing Madrid·88d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Managing Madrid Readers Overwhelmingly Back France’s Madridistas to Win the World Cup
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 9: Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates after scoring his teams first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 9, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) | Getty Images Managing Madrid readers have made their choice, and the verdict could hardly have been more decisive: When asked which remaining Real Madrid player had the best chance of winning the 2026 World Cup, 88% of respondents selected France’s Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni. The French duo finished well clear of every other option in the poll, reflecting the confidence readers have in France’s ability to navigate the final stages of the tournament and lift the trophy. Jude Bellingham placed second with 7% of the vote, while Marc Cucurella received 4%. Brahim Díaz rounded out the results with 1%. The poll shows that Managing Madrid readers view France as the clear favorite among the national teams still featuring Real Madrid players. With Mbappé leading the attack and Tchouaméni anchoring the midfield (although he’s missed a couple games due to injury), the pair have a strong opportunity to return to Madrid as world champions. The semi-finals will now determine whether the community’s overwhelming prediction proves correct. This poll and the graphics are sponsored by Fanduel.
- Managing Madrid·101d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Bernardo Silva: “I’m better suited to central positions”
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 30: Bernardo Silva #10 of Portugal attends a press conference prior to the team training session during the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Gardens North County District Park on June 30, 2026 in Palm Beach Gardens, United States. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images) | Getty Images Bernardo Silva has played down questions about his new club, Real Madrid, insisting his only focus is helping Portugal advance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Portugal’s Round of 32 meeting with Croatia on Thursday, the Real Madrid midfielder refused to entertain questions about his new club, emphasizing that the national team takes priority during the tournament. “I’m not going to answer questions about Real Madrid; I’m in too important a position to focus on anything else. I’m happy, but I’m focused on the national team. The next few weeks will be dedicated exclusively to the national team.” Silva also addressed his role within the Portugal squad after playing the last couple matches of the tournament as a substitute. While acknowledging every player wants to be on the pitch, the 31-year-old stressed the importance of putting the team first. “My role as a substitute? I understand the question, but it’s not very relevant. There are many of us, we all came for the same reason. We came with the ambition to play, the coach has a difficult job. I’ve also been through this in my career, of course I want to be part of the team and I think I can help. I’m ready to help in any way I can, whether it’s playing 5 minutes or being in the locker room.” Portugal have faced criticism during parts of their World Cup campaign, but Silva said the squad remains confident despite the scrutiny. “We’re used to ups and downs; it’s a sport that involves a lot of passion, even more so with the national team. I’ve been here for many years, so I’m quite used to it. It’s about avoiding ups and downs, about being as consistent as possible. It’s about understanding what went wrong. The World Cup is a tough competition for all the teams. There are things we need to improve. Criticism is part of the process. We’re all giving our best. We’re in a good position to continue. We’re fully confident that things will turn out well.” The midfielder also dismissed any suggestion that tournament conditions should be used as an excuse, insisting both teams face the same circumstances. “I don’t think it’s tough World Cup conditions, they’re the same for both teams. We have to adapt. It’s never an excuse, the pitches have been good, we have to do our job and focus on what we can control. It’s not very relevant. We have to prepare and do our job as best as we can.” Asked about the coach’s selection decisions, Silva declined to offer an opinion, saying those choices belong solely to the manager. “It’s not my place to talk about the coach’s decisions. That’s what we have a coach for, who has a very difficult job. Everyone comes here with the intention of playing and being part of the team. He’s the one who makes the decisions. When it’s not up to us, it’s up to us to give our best, create a good atmosphere, and be ready to respond when the opportunity arises.” Finally, Silva reflected on the versatility that has defined much of his career, explaining that while he feels most comfortable in central areas, he is prepared to play wherever he is needed. “My best position? That’s a difficult question because I’ve played in many different positions. My characteristics lean more towards one particular spot. It’s hard to answer; I’m better suited to playing in certain positions. If I tell you I’m a midfielder, as I played all season at City, I’d be contradicting my career. My coach plays me out of those positions. I’m ready. Of course, I’m better suited to central positions, but I’m here to help.” Portugal take on Croatia on Thursday with a place in the Round of 16 at stake, as Roberto Martínez’s side looks to continue its World Cup campaign.
- Guardian Football·106d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Playing at a World Cup is unforgettable but it requires every ounce of your dedication | Rodrygo
I savour the memory of playing for Brazil at the 2022 tournament – but it was a privilege that took effort For a player the World Cup day begins with everyone gathering in the restaurant for breakfast at the scheduled time. Buffet options are determined by the nutritionist, who specifies which food and in what quantities each player can consume. The morning also includes on-field training, usually within the team’s accommodation complex. After that, lunch is likewise personalised, based on each athlete’s body composition and physiological needs. The afternoon is then dedicated to gym sessions and, when necessary, recovery massages, as well as meetings for strategic guidance from the coaching staff and video analysis of the upcoming opponent. Dinner, attended by the whole squad, allows for more relaxed conversation and games such as cards, pool, or dominoes. A final snack wraps up the schedule before the night’s sleep recharges energy levels to repeat the process the next day. And the next. And the next. Continue reading...
- Guardian Football·112d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Brazil v Haiti: World Cup 2026 – live
⚽️ Kick-off time: 8.30pm local/10.30am AEST/1.30am BST ⚽️ Player guide | Bracketology | Golden Boot | Mail Jonathan Neymar would probably not even be in North America this summer had Rodrygo been fit. Instead the Real Madrid winger is recuperating from an ACL injury by penning thoughtful columns. The pressure of wearing the Brazil shirt can be heavy but also creates a positive kind of responsibility. That pressure exists solely because of the greatness of our football, the titles we’ve won, and our historic standing in the sport. The fans’ mood often hinges on the result, which is only natural in a country so used to winning regularly. So, as a player you have to realise that a barrage of criticism isn’t the end of the world, just as a massive wave of praise doesn’t mean everything is sorted out and that you will win the tournament. It is crucial to distinguish facts and balanced analysis from comments born of raw emotion and frustration. If Vinícius is now Brazil’s undisputed star, the 25-year-old has also yet to really make the team his own. He has turned in frustrating and often fruitless performances at major international tournaments, while scoring a mere nine goals in 49 appearances entering this, his second World Cup. He has yet to wrest top billing from Neymar, whose jersey was worn by huge swaths of the Brazilian fans in their draw with Morocco on Saturday. Continue reading...
- Managing Madrid·113d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
The Managing Madrid World Cup 2026 Predictions Survey (Part II)
LEIRIA, PORTUGAL - JUNE 10: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the International Friendly match between Portugal and Nigeria at Estadio Dr Magalhaes Pessoa on June 10, 2026 in Leiria, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) | Getty Images The 2026 World Cup has begun and it’s already been incredibly entertaining, and now it’s time for Managing Madrid readers to make more predictions. For this survey, we’re asking readers two questions: 1) Which big nation will have a shock group stage exit; and who will be the tournament’s breakout star? To keep the voting focused, we’ve limited the survey to six options. Of course, international football has a habit of producing surprises. Still, narrowing the field should make it easier. This poll is part of SB Nation Reacts, an ongoing series that gathers opinions from fans across the network. While Reacts has featured prominently in other sports, this marks one of its first appearances on the football side, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the results evolve throughout the World Cup. Cast your vote below and let us know your picks in the comments. If you think we’ve overlooked a genuine option, make your case! We’ll be sharing the results, trends, and fan insights from both Managing Madrid and the wider network in the days ahead. Welcome to SB Nation Reacts. Be on the lookout for results from the survey soon! Please take our survey
- Managing Madrid·113d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Kylian Mbappé: “I’m not here to achieve individual records”
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 16: Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 16, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Shaun Botterill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images Kylian Mbappé has once again etched his name into French football history, becoming France’s all-time leading goalscorer. But despite reaching another remarkable milestone, the Real Madrid forward insists that individual achievements have never been his primary motivation. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mbappé expressed pride in his latest accomplishment while emphasizing that his focus remains firmly on collective success with the national team. “It makes me extremely happy (to become France’s top all time scorer), I’m glad to have taken another step in my country’s history. It was something I was aiming for, but I want to emphasize that I’m not here to achieve individual records.” Mbappé was also asked about the criticism that inevitably follows a player of his stature. The France captain made it clear that he refuses to let outside opinions dictate his performances or mindset. “If I start playing to respond to those who criticize me, I have to play until I’m 80. I go out onto the field to make history for my country and I try to ensure that my team reaches the final and wins the World Cup. The rest will always be part of my persona and my career for as long as it lasts.” The forward also discussed his growing understanding with Michael Olise, one of France’s most creative attacking talents. Mbappé praised the winger’s vision and football intelligence, highlighting how easy it has been to develop chemistry on the pitch. “With Michael Olise, it’s super easy because he’s a player who always keeps his head up. With him, you just have to think about offering him a solution, a passing lane, and he sees it. He knew it, and it was really cool.”
- Managing Madrid·119d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
The Managing Madrid World Cup 2026 Predictions Survey
France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe looks on during the international friendly football match between France and Ivory Coast ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, western France, on June 4, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images The 2026 World Cup is finally here, and with the tournament already underway, it’s time for Managing Madrid readers to make their predictions. As part of a network-wide fan survey, we’re asking supporters to weigh in on two of the biggest questions heading into the competition: Which nation will lift the trophy, and which player will finish the tournament as its top scorer? To keep the voting focused, we’ve limited the options to six of the tournament favorites. Of course, international football has a habit of producing surprises, and history has shown that unexpected contenders can emerge when nobody sees them coming. Still, narrowing the field should make it easier to compare results across the different communities taking part. This poll is part of SB Nation Reacts, an ongoing series that gathers opinions from fans across the network. While Reacts has featured prominently in other sports, this marks one of its first appearances on the football side, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the results evolve throughout the World Cup. Cast your vote below and let us know your picks in the comments. If you think we’ve overlooked a genuine contender, make your case! We’ll be sharing the results, trends, and fan insights from both Managing Madrid and the wider network in the days ahead. Welcome to SB Nation Reacts. Be on the lookout for results from the survey soon! Please take our survey
- Managing Madrid·133d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Michel Platini Praises Mbappé’s Evolution While Defending His Right to Speak Out
TURIN, ITALY - MAY 9: Michel Platini during the JOFC day in May 9, 2026 in Giardini Naxos, Italy. (Photo by Alberto Gandolfo - Juventus/Juventus FC via Getty Images) | Juventus FC via Getty Images French football legend Michel Platini has offered a strong defense of Kylian Mbappé, praising the Real Madrid star’s development on the pitch while also weighing in on the criticism he has faced for his political comments in recent years. In an interview with RTL France, the former UEFA president highlighted Mbappé’s growth as a footballer and argued that the scrutiny surrounding the France captain often extends beyond his performances. “I think Kylian is doing a very good job and has evolved his game. He’s gone from being a player with less accuracy in front of goal to being a goalscorer, a finisher. Furthermore, he’s been the top scorer in Spain for two years running,” Platini said. Platini believes that despite Mbappe’s personal achievements, the public often judges him more harshly for matters away from the field. “We are very demanding of him, but we are harsher on his public opinions than on his sporting performance.” The comments come amid ongoing discussion surrounding Mbappé’s willingness to speak on political and social issues. During Euro 2024, the French captain urged citizens to participate in the elections and described France as being at a pivotal moment in its history. More recently, in an interview with Vanity Fair, Mbappé reiterated concerns about the possibility of a far-right electoral victory. Platini believes footballers should have the freedom to express themselves, although he drew a distinction between representing oneself and representing the national team. “I have no problem with him expressing his political views when he’s not representing the French national team. Outside of that context, whether at Real Madrid or anywhere else, he has complete freedom of expression. However, when he wears the national team armband, his image represents all French people equally. “In any case, I think it’s great that intelligent people get involved and take a stand on social issues. In the end, it shows that footballers aren’t necessarily stupid; in fact, some are quite intelligent.”
- Football España·136d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
COLUMN: The return of Jose Mourinho, the continuation of the Real Madrid cycle
No careful observer of Real Madrid should have been shocked by Jose Mourinho’s return, thirteen years after he left in a storm of acrimony with one La Liga title to his name. After all, Florentino Perez’s contacts book contains the names of just three coaches, with only one entry between A and Z. Periodically, Real Madrid’s democratically elected oligarch has been […] The post COLUMN: The return of Jose Mourinho, the continuation of the Real Madrid cycle appeared first on Football España.
- Guardian Football·138d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Premier League finale with survival on line for Spurs and West Ham – matchday live
⚽ News, discussion and buildup before the day’s action ⚽ Fans’ verdicts: the season review | And email us here The Premier League may end today. But football never really does as the World Cup looms ever closer. Read Jonathan Wilson’s column on Brazil and Carlo Ancelotti’s selection of Neymar in their World Cup squad. Continue reading...
- Managing Madrid·139d ago·Real Madrid·opinion
Apparently… We’re in? – Real Madrid Castilla make the 2025/26 third division play-offs
Real Madrid Castilla have officially qualified for the 2025/26 Primera Federación promotion play-offs. At least… they think they have. In one of the most surreal and chaotic final days Spanish football has seen in years, Castilla went from believing they had been eliminated and watching another club celebrate qualification, to eventually being informed that they themselves were actually going to the play-offs after all. Nobody appeared to understand what was happening, whether it be clubs, players, media, fans, and even the RFEF themselves… Yet through all of the chaos, Castilla were granted the lifeline of a lifetime, qualifying in extraordinary circumstances. Castilla’s season looked over. The situation entering the final day was relatively simple on paper after a few weeks of poor form: Castilla needed to better Barakaldo’s result to secure a play-off place. The team travelled to Guadalajara, a team right in the relegation battle, and drew 2-2, after being 2-0 down at one point, in a frustrating match that appeared to end their season. Throughout the afternoon they sat outside the top five in sixth place, behind Barakaldo in the live standings. When both matches reached full-time, nothing suggested otherwise, and the Castilla players were distraught. Real Madrid’s official match report even stated that Castilla had failed to qualify. Revisando las bases de la competición de la @Primera_RFEF en la página web de la @rfef, uno se encuentra lo siguiente. Por lo tanto, sería el Real Madrid Castilla, y no el Pontevedra, el clasificado, pese a la celebración granate. pic.twitter.com/9unCcSZjyx — Jesús Domínguez (@JesuDominguez) May 23, 2026 While Castilla and Barakaldo had both finished, there was still one match continuing elsewhere involving Pontevedra, the final club capable of dramatically altering the standings. Thirteen minutes of added time was played in this game, allowing it to really sneak up one everybody. Pontevedra were 2-0 down and seemingly eliminated themselves. But in a ridiculous twist, they scored twice during that lengthy added period to rescue a draw. Pontevedra, Barakaldo and Castilla all finished level on points, initiating the start of the chaos. The immediate reaction was that Pontevedra had completed a miracle. Their official social media account celebrated qualification for the play-offs. Fans inside the stadium celebrated qualification for the play-offs. Even the official league account posted that Pontevedra had secured the final play-off position. Then the post disappeared. Almost immediately, screenshots of the RFEF rules and regulations began circulating online. Journalists and supporters scrambled to interpret a set of rules that suddenly became the most important document in the world. The wording was not simple. 🔚 FINAL EN PASARÓN 🏟️♥️ SOOOOMOS DE PLAY OFF Pontevedra CF 2-2 Real Avilés Encontro patrocinado por Exalta e Acuña #PontevedraCFRealAvilesInd #PrimeraFederacion | #VersusELearning pic.twitter.com/InlTuUVigT — Pontevedra CF 🦴 (@PontevedraCFSAD) May 23, 2026 The confusion centred around the RFEF’s rules regarding ties involving more than two teams. Rather than using the normal league table, the regulations require the creation of a separate “mini-league” consisting only of the matches played between these tied teams. It states: “A separate classification shall be established between the tied teams, counting only the matches played between them”. Only if teams remain tied after this recalculation does any further criteria apply. Many initially interpreted the standings incorrectly by relying on either the normal table or simplified head-to-head calculations. But once the specific three-team mini-league between Castilla, Barakaldo and Pontevedra was isolated, the standings shifted again. And somehow, Castilla emerged on top. As confusion spread across social media and Spanish media outlets, the situation reportedly reached the point where a single RFEF official was tasked with confirming the final interpretation of the regulations and therefore the final standings. That ruling eventually declared Real Madrid Castilla as the team qualifying for the promotion play-offs. This was absurd. Castilla had already mourned elimination, whilst Pontevedra had already celebrated qualification (and even Barakaldo). The league itself had already publicly stated a different outcome. Yet with this verdict, and bad taste was left in everyone’s mouths. Football rarely produces anything quite like this, as Castilla qualified for the play-offs without actually experiencing the moment of qualification. It seemed, they could have finished as low as 7th, and they ended up being placed in fifth. Apparently, they’re in? 🚨 ¡𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟! 🔥 ¡Estos son los 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗦 𝗗𝗘 𝗔𝗦𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗢 de la temporada 2025/26!#PrimeraFederación | #VersusELearning pic.twitter.com/DygZwTUoLb — Primera Federación Versus e-Learning (@Primera_RFEF) May 23, 2026 Castilla already know their opponents in the play-offs: CE Sabadell. This is a team who enjoyed a fair better season than Castilla in Group B, finishing in second place with 68 points (Castilla finished with 58, in fifth). Still, tonight has proven that in this division, anything is possible…