The Global Madridista

Last night’s Betis vs Barcelona was one of the worst refereeing performances I’ve seen in La Liga, and sadly I have seen many. ▶ The Barça goal scored while fouling a Betis player, and how it stood▶ The high boot that should have cancelled another Barça goal, which also looked offside, with no VAR review at all▶ Lamine shoving opponents and getting only a yellow, while the Betis player who reacted was sent off▶ What this says about the state of refereeing and VAR in La LigaBetis fans, Madridistas, neutrals: was this the worst officiated match of the season? Tell me in the comments.🔔 Subscribe to The Global Madridista for Real Madrid and La Liga analysis

Real Madrid 4–1 Sevilla at the Bernabéu, and Mourinho got the lineup exactly right. Arda Güler and Diomande were outstanding tonight. They controlled the rhythm, created danger every time they touched the ball, and showed why they belong in the starting XI.In this video I break down:Why Mourinho’s lineup choices workedWhat made Arda and Diomande so effectiveWhat this performance means heading into next Sunday’s Clásico at BarcelonaShould this be Mourinho’s starting XI for the Clásico? Let me know in the comments.🤍 Join the Global Madridista Club for away-match watchalongs, members-only Bernabéu Hot Takes, extra Uncle’s Corner episodes and more:

Real Madrid played one of the poorest matches one can remember for 75 full minutes. And then the DNA came through. Much needs to be fixed. But the fighting spirit is still there.

Real Madrid grind out a 1-0 win over Villareal and the refs, with Diomande scoring the decisive goal. Three points are three points, but this performance raised real concerns about our finishing and raised doubts as to the viability of this league.

Real Madrid return from the international break and face a tough test against Villarreal with a weakened defense. Dropping points at home is not an option, and we are all out of excuses. In this preview I break down Madrid's likely lineup, and comment on Mourinho's masterclass press conference.

Between 2001 and 2018, FC Barcelona paid millions to José María Enríquez Negreira, then vice-president of Spain's referees' committee (CTA). Barça fans keep asking for proof it had any effect on the pitch. So, we ran the numbers.Red cards. Yellow cards. Disallowed goals. Comparing La Liga's refereeing stats with those in European competition, the gaps aren't small, they're off the charts. We also look at what happened after the payments stopped and at today's referees, practically all of whom came up through the CTA during the Negreira years. Nothing has changed. No shouting, no conspiracy theories. Just the math. Check my work.

One bad apple can spoil the bunch, and right now Real Madrid may have two. Vinícius Jr. has looked well off the pace physically, and Kylian Mbappé's off-pitch distractions are becoming impossible to ignore. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler are showing exactly what focus and commitment look like, and their form proves it.In this video I break down what's going wrong with Vini's conditioning, why Kylian's off-field behavior matters, and how the contrast with Jude and Arda says a lot about where this squad is heading. Is this a temporary dip or a deeper problem in the dressing room?

Real Madrid are 4th in La Liga, six points behind Barcelona after losing the derby, and the problems are piling up. In this video I break down the 10 biggest issues in Real Madrid's play under José Mourinho.From the second-half collapses to Vinícius' form, the missing creativity in midfield and a right flank that produces almost nothing, here's what's going wrong and what Mourinho needs to fix.

While the Premier League has finally delivered a verdict on Manchester City's financial charges, Spanish football is still waiting for answers on issues that have been in plain sight for years.In this video I lay out 25 unanswered questions about how La Liga and the RFEF are run: refereeing, governance, financial oversight, conflicts of interest, and the institutions that are supposed to hold everyone accountable. None of these questions are new. What's missing is anyone willing to answer them.The contrast is hard to ignore. In England, an independent commission investigated, heard the evidence, and ruled, even against the league's most powerful club. In Spain, the pattern seems to be delay, deflection and silence. Why?This isn't about club loyalty. It's about whether Spanish football deserves the trust of its fans, and whether the people running it are willing to earn it.Watch the full breakdown, then tell me in the comments: which question do you think La Liga least wants to answer?

Real Madrid played a horrendous match at the Metropolitano, unworthy of the players we have. Mourinho needs to make some hard decisions if this squad is to turn around. It is September and La liga feels all but lost.

Real Madrid cannot afford to lose, period. Mourinho needs to play our strongest squad, and at the moment that should not include Vini Jr. The decision to bench Vini is not an easy one. But Mourinho needs to consider it.

Real Madrid cannot continue to do this. The squad is incapable of playing 90 minutes of football. This will not do if we are going to compete this season.

Real Madrid played 45 very good minutes then fell asleep and played with fire. Arda Guler revived the patient and sealed the victory. If Real Madrid is to compete this season, it must play 90 minutes of football.

Real Madrid is not playing at the level we expected. There are clear deficiencies in our play, which I discuss in detail. But the bigger picture is much more positive than headlines would suggest. Here are some compelling reasons to be optimistic.

Real Madrid's victory against Inter was frustrating, with some negative takeaways but some positive ones as well. This match was all over the place. But the 3 points are the most important thing.

Real Madrid must win tomorrow and dispel the doubts generated after the Betis match. With the talent in this squad there is no excuse. Inter will play a low block and Mou will have to do a patch up rub in the midfield, with the absences of bernardo, Camavinga and Arda Guler.

f you don't finish your chances you will pay the price. Real Madrid cannot afford to miss so many chances. Kylian Mbappe and Vini had a nightmare of a match. In this league you cannot afford to drop silly points, especially when the system is working against you.

Real Madrid faces Betis after two convincing performances. The rival may be modest but the atmosphere will be hostile. Mourinho's squad needs to retain the same level of intensity if it is to take the 3 points from the Benito Villamarin.

Real Madrid appears to be back. After an excellent second half against Real Sociedad, the squad put on a show against Malaga. This squad has the potential to do great things this season. Here are some of the top takeaways from this excellent performance

Real Madrid played two completely different halves of football. But the second half gave the world a glimpse of what this squad can do. Football world beware, The King is Alive !

Real Madrid's match against Espanyol was disappointing in many ways. The Bernabeu is the most unforgivable stadium in the world and Mourinho's men will have to do better. Expect a few surprises in the lineup and high energy from players who will play for the Bernabeu as Real Madrid for the first time.

The most positive takeaway from this match were the three points. After 20 decent minutes, our play began to deteriorate significantly. This team has a lot of work to do. But it is early in the season, the pre-season was short and players are not yet in peak form.

There is an air of excitement and optimism in and around the Bernabeu, perhaps more-so than other years. Mourinho's return and the outstanding reinforcements in this summer's transfer window have Madridismo buzzing. But despite the plethora of talent in this Real Madrid squad, Mourinho will have some difficult decisions to make. In this video I discuss possible formations and lineups, as well as the critical decisions that may mean the difference between glory and failure. No matter where you fall in this intense debate, one thing is for sure: it is going to be exciting.

My season preview will be released tomorrow. But yesterday I was invited to a Q&A session on Dally FC's channel to discuss the upcoming season and our expectation regarding player performances. Here is the full discussion. See you all again tomorrow ! Hala Madrid !

Real Madrid has just renewed one of the best players in the world. Vinicius is explosive and technical, and electrifies the world with his speed and skill. And yet his presence may create problems for Mourinho's tactical design of the squad. Football is about balance and collective play. Will Vini's presence hinder Mou's ability to achieve this ?

Real Madrid is stuck on three fronts and for very different reasons. The Global Madridista assesses the likelihood of success in bringing Diomande and Rodri as well as the chances of renewing Vini.

Summer friendlies are not important on paper. But we got some fascinating takeaways from this one: Mourinho's fear factor and why Endrick needs to stay at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid's reinforcements in this transfer window are numerous and exciting. But the numbers need to add up. As difficult as this is, players need to leave. The Global Madridista goes over the biggest departure candidates and implications for the squad.

With rumors of a possible Vini departure to Arsenal, Real Madrid is reinforcing at a torrid pace. I discuss the possible addition of Rodri as well as Yan Diomande into an already heavily fortified squad.

Argentina's players were disgraceful. Enzo Fernandez is a pig. And Messi was not much better. Let's cut through the propaganda and speak the truth. Spain saved football and truth and decency. VIVA ESPANA !

Spain and Argentina represent polar opposites in the world of the Beautiful Game. Poise, beauty and attacking positivity against a cynical, thorny and violent tenacity. These two sides could not be more different. Tomorrow will tell us who will prevail.

One of the most dramatic and controversial World Cups in recent history comes down to the wire. Psychology and rivalry will come into play like never before. France comes in guns blazing and England will face a mentally tough Argentina side and possibly hostile referees. Some thoughts ahead of these historic semifinals.

France vs Morocco disappointed us all. Morocco was not the team we had seen thus far in the tournament. And France found a way in a style of match it typically dislikes. Kylian continues to shine but underscores the penalty enigma that has afflicted football for decades.

One of the best World Cups in recent memory is being poisoned by blatant corruption. The football world and the beautiful game deserve better.

What an incredible World Cup. Jude powers England, Haaland is a beast and Vini must return home.

This World Cup has exceeded expectations. Here are my thoughts, as always from the Madridista lens.

Vini's renewal is stuck and may never get un-stuck. My reasons for believing his renewal is not guaranteed. I also volunteer my thoughts on Real Madrid's recent signings.

The good, the bad and the ugly so far in this 2026 World Cup. My thoughts on the biggest teams so far.

The Global Madridista analyses the World Cup thus far, arguing nothing has been a fluke so far. And he explains the significance of the Cucurella signing and what it really means for Real Madrid next season.

The Madridista World Cup Update : My thoughts on Bernardo Silva, and on the early performances our beloved players: Vini, Brahim and Arda.

My thoughts on the Julian Alvarez bluff, Mourinho's latest requests and concerns regarding the World Cup.

Only two of the four of us chose to vote yesterday. So my older son and I went to Valdevebas to vote. The whole setup was pretty impressive.

The wheels have come off the Riquelme campaign, while Florentino prepares to repeat his Galactico mistake.

Riquelme loses credibility after everyone denies his Harland play. In the meantime, Florentino shows another master stroke. The Real Madrid elections as they are today.

I review the most recent strategies for the Real Madrid presidency as well as Barca's most recent ridiculous moves.

My thoughts on the Champions League Final as well as an update on the Real Madrid elections.

My thoughts on the Real Madrid elections, The Spain squad for the World Cup, and some headaches Mourinho may face next season.

We have never seen this version of Florentino Perez: agitated, cynical, defiant. Real Madrid's president shows us his vulnerable side. Here are my thoughts on the craziest press conference our president has ever given.

Real Madrid is a socio-based democracy on paper, but less so in practice. I give you my views as a voting socio of the club.

Enrique Riquelme declares he will run for the presidency of Real Madrid. But can anyone really beat Florentino?