Managing Madrid
Dominating European football since March 6th 1902
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Endrick: “I have great faith in Mourinho”
Real Madrid’s 20‑year‑old prodigy Endrick praised José Mourinho during Brazil’s training camp, saying the coach checks in on his personal life and fuels his motivation to give his all for the Spanish giants. While reaffirming his commitment to Madrid, Endrik hinted at a possible loan move in January, emphasizing he wants to play, stay happy, and help teammates. He stressed that his future decisions are “in God’s hands,” but his faith in Mourinho and love for Madrid remain strong.
OFFICIAL: Raúl becomes Oviedo’s coach
Real Madrid legend Raúl González Blanco signs a two‑year contract as head coach of Real Ovigr — officially appointed until June 2028. The 49‑year‑old, who retired in 2015 after a storied playing career with Real Madrid, Schalke, Al‑Sadd and New York Cosmos, moves from Real Madrid’s youth and Castilla sides, where he won the UEFA Youth League, to lead Oviedo’s first team. His debut comes this Saturday against Girona at Carlos Tartiere stadium. The club says Raúl will hold his first press conference after the presentation.
Open Thread: November 9, 2026
The Daily Merengue Open Thread invites fans to discuss all things football, especially recent Real Madrid news. Madrid’s form has improved, with a rare away-friendly result at Valencia, but Vini Jr. loses his starting spot, though coach José Mourinho vows to help him regain form. Meanwhile, the club faces a deadline on Nico Paz’s €80 million buy‑back clause, which expires in summer 2027, or they’ll lose control of the player. Moderators Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, KFZ, Juninho, Ezek and the author steer the conversation.
Real Madrid to launch special kit for 125th anniversary
Real Madrid will unveil a special 125th‑anniversary kit, showcasing the club’s original all‑white badge on an all‑white jersey and a gold‑tone sleeve patch with a European Cup, the number 125, and “Anniversary 1902‑2027.” A blue version serves as the goalkeeper’s edition, and both feature Emirates as the main sponsor. The designs are currently mockups from FootyHeadlines, with the official release slated for 2027.
Bernardo Silva: “We want to keep winning and winning”
After Real Madrid thump Valencia 3-0 at Mestalla, midfielder Bernardo Silva praises the team's dominance and eighth straight win, saying it strengthens their La Liga title chase and Champions League top‑eight hopes. Silva highlights Federico Valverde’s stunning opener, plus goals from Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler, noting the squad’s organization and aggressive defending. He emphasizes the positive dressing‑room atmosphere and urges the side to keep winning as they prepare for the upcoming clash with Barcelona versus Atlético de Madrid.
Player Ratings: Valencia 0–3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid thrash Valencia 3‑0 at Mestalla, with Arda Güler earning a stellar 9 rating for his goal, assist and three key passes. Jude Bellingham (9) and Kylian Mbappé (8.5) also impress, while the back line—Courtois (8), Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella (each 8.5)—keep a clean sheet. Valverde (8.5) opens the scoring, and Silva (8.5) dictates play with the most key passes. Only Tchouaméni (7) slips slightly, gifting Valencia a chance. The match, part of LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27, underscores Madrid’s dominance heading into the winter break.
Mourinho: “This Real Madrid is united and very promising”
After a dominant 3-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla, Real Madrid manager José Mourinho hails the squad’s unity and promising form, citing a solid defensive display and swift reactions when possession is lost. He highlighted Arda Güler’s mis‑positioning and Kylian Mbappé’s recovery run as examples of the team’s cohesion. Mourinho also warned about the toll of a packed schedule, urging La Liga to grant rest before upcoming international duties, and emphasized that past win‑percentage stats are irrelevant – the focus is on winning the next match. He praised the referee’s performance and noted the passionate atmosphere at Valencia’s ground.
OPEN THREAD | NOV 8, 2026
Welcome to The Daily Merengue! THESE ARE YOUR MODS: Ezek XI, Valyrian Steel, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho BETTER DEAL In the end, we got the better deal in Silva.
TOP 10 PLAYERS: Valencia 0-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid dominate Valencia 3-0 in LaLiga, with Marc Cucurella the busiest on the pitch—104 touches, 15 defensive actions and the highest expected threat (0.34 xT). Dean Huijsen follows closely with 103 touches and a joint‑top 13 progressive passes. Yan Diomande dazzles, leading both take‑ons (6) and progressive carries (13) while logging 47 final‑third touches. Arda Güler matches Diomande’s minutes, creates three chances and scores the second goal, posting a 0.39 non‑penalty xG. Valencia’s Javi Guerra makes two of the five top take‑ons for the visitors.
CONFIRMED lineups: Valencia vs Real Madrid, 2026 La Liga
Real Madrid confirm a star‑studded lineup for their La Liga clash with Valencia on 7 November 2026 at Mestalla. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois starts alongside a back four of Valverde, Konaté, Huijsen and Cucurella, with Tchouaméni and Bernardo anchoring midfield. The attack features Güler, Bellingham, Diomande and Kylian Mbappé. Valencia’s tentative XI lists Dimitrievski in goal and Danjuma on the wing. Kick‑off is 21:00 CET (03:00 pm EST), broadcast on DAZN in Spain and ESPN Deportes/ESPN+ in the U.S.
Valencia vs Real Madrid 2026 live stream: Time, TV channels and how to watch La Liga online
Real Madrid travel to Mestalla on November 7 for what could be Valencia’s final La Liga match at the historic stadium. With a FIFA break looming, the Blancos aim to secure three points, fielding a full-strength XI that includes Arda Güler, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Kylian Mbappé. Valencia’s predicted lineup features Dimitrievski, Danjuma and Sadiq. The clash kicks off at 21:00 CET (15:00 EST) and will be on DAZN La Liga in Spain, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ in the U.S.
Valencia vs Real Madrid, 2026 La Liga: Predicted lineups
Real Madrid head to Mestalla on November 7, 2026, with Arda Güler and Aurélien Tchouaméni returning after missing the Athens clash. Managing Madrid predicts a 4‑3‑3 for both sides: Valencia line‑up features Dimitrievski, Maffeo, Arnau, Tárrega, Pepelu, Gayá, Mayol, Guido, Guerra, Danjuma and Sadiq; Real Madrid’s XI lists Courtois, Valverde, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella, Tchouaméni, Bernardo, Güler, Bellingham, Diomande and Mbappé. The match kicks off at 21:00 CET (03:00 pm EST) and streams on DAZN (Spain) and ESPN platforms in the U.S.
SCOUTING VALENCIA: Should be a breeze in theory, but Valencia at the Mestalla is never easy
Valencia CF appoints Mexican veteran Javier Aguirre as their third manager of the season after just 11 league games, inheriting a squad that has recorded two wins, three draws and six defeats. The team has scored only eight goals while conceding 17, with a worrying 10.8 non‑penalty xG yet only six non‑penalty goals. Strikers Umar Sadiq (1.8 npxG) leads the scoring, while Hugo Duro and Arnaut Danjuma remain goalless despite decent chances. Defensively, Valencia press the deepest (30 m from goal) and have the league‑worst PPDA (15.8), allowing opponents to dominate possession and final‑third play. Aguirre must boost creativity, improve pressing and turn parity into wins.
OPEN THREAD | NOV 7, 2026
The Daily Merengue thread highlights the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup as key stages for Real Madrid's rising talents, especially teenager Endrick, who’s eager for more playing time alongside peers like Pitarch. Moderators are listed, and the post invites fans to follow the discussion on Instagram.
Real Madrid renew Alejandro Castaño’s contract until 2030 — report
Real Madrid have secured 17‑year‑old centre‑back Alejandro Castaño on a new contract until 2030, according to AS. The Avilés‑born defender, now in the Juvenil A squad, rose through CD Quirinal, Sporting de Gijón, Villarreal’s academy and a loan at La Roda before catching Madrid’s eye. A lifelong Madrid fan, Castaño once received birthday messages from Sergio Ramos and Marcelo. The long‑term deal ensures the La Fábrica prospect continues his development at Valdebebas for the next four years.
Real Madrid announce squad for La Liga match against Valencia
Real Madrid reveal their 21‑player squad for Saturday’s La Liga clash at Mestalla against Valencia. Goalkeepers Courtois, Lunin and Mestre start, with a defensive line featuring Militão, Huijsen, Trent, Konaté, Cucurella, Á. Carreras, Rüdiger and Dumfries. Midfield includes Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Bernardo and Thiago, while the attack lists Endrick, Mbappé, C. Espí, Brahim and Yan Diomande. Tchouameni and Güler return after missing the Athens match, promising fresh legs for what promises to be a physical contest. The game kicks off on 7 Nov 2026 at 21:00 CET (03:00 EST) and will be on DAZN La Liga (Spain) and ESPN Deportes/ESPN+ in the USA.
Madrid Daily: Vinícius rests, Lacosta’s new deal and the latest on China
Real Madrid give suspended Vinícius Júnior a rest day ahead of the Valencia clash at Mestalla, with Mourinho prioritising recovery before the November international break. Meanwhile, academy midfielder Diego Lacosta signs a new contract, praised for his stamina and likened to Fede Valverde after a goal in the Youth League win over AEK Athens. Valencia coach Javier Aguirre warns that Kylian Mbappé’s one‑on‑one threat will test Madrid, urging his side to create an intimidating Mestalla atmosphere.
Mourinho: “I would never do anything to harm the team for the benefit of a single player”
Ahead of Real Madrid's LaLiga clash with Valencia on November 6, 2026, manager Jose Mourinho stresses that the squad always comes first, rejecting any idea of favouring a single player, including Vinícius Júnior returning from suspension. He explains recent squad rotation, cites the recent Champions League match against AEK, and highlights the importance of camaraderie and strategic flexibility. Mourinho also gives brief comments on Cristiano Ronaldo's international retirement, Federico Valverde’s new captaincy, and the team's recovery schedule at Valdebebas, noting players are rested and positive ahead of the game.
Cucurella, Huijsen make Spain’s list for upcoming FIFA break
Real Madrid full‑backs Marc Cucurella and Dean Huijsen make Spain’s squad for the FIFA international window, with fixtures against the Czech Republic (Nov 12) and England (Nov 15). Fellow Madrid‑affiliated Jacobo Ramón also earns a call‑up after strong showings for Como and may debut for La Roja, while a buy‑back clause looms over his future. De la Fuente is expected to start Cucurella and Huijsen, and Madrid hope the pair return fit for club duties.
OPEN THREAD | NOV 6, 2026
The Daily Merengue thread introduces the moderation team and highlights Real Madrid’s shift under a new seasoned coach, noting the squad’s positive response. The post focuses on defensive options, debating whether Éder Militao, Ibrahima Konaté or Dean are guaranteed starters and who will rotate with Virgil van Dijk now Militao returns. It also mentions upcoming decisions once Rodrygo is back in action.
Bellingham: “This is the mindset we need to maintain”
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham hails the team’s 3-2 comeback win over AEK Athens in the Champions League, calling it the “Real Madrid mentality” they must keep. Named Man of the Match, Bellingham credits his instinctive strike from a Marc Cucurella pass and lauds teammate Federico Valverde’s long‑range winner. He says the victory fuels enthusiasm ahead of the crucial next match in Valencia, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the mindset for the rest of the season.
Five Bullet Points From Real Madrid’s Win Over AEK Athens
Real Madrid clinched a 3‑0 Champions League win over AEK Athens at the Agia Sophia Stadium on November 4, 2026, despite heavy rotation by Jose Mourinho. Bench‑starter Federico Valverde sparked the victory, scoring the third goal and delivering three key passes in just 24 minutes. Jude Bellingham impressed with fluid off‑ball movement, while Diomande, Endrick and a resilient defense secured a 24‑9 shot advantage and an xG of 3.39 to 0.78. Mourinho’s shuffled backline raised concerns, but the win marks Madrid’s first triumph in eight trips to Greece.
TOP 10 PLAYERS: AEK Athens 2–3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid edges AEK Athens 3-2 in a dramatic UEFA Champions League Group Stage clash on November 4, 2026. Federico Valverde, subbed on for 28 minutes, nets the stoppage‑time winner and registers the most key passes. Jude Bellingham equalises with a back‑heel strike in the 32nd minute, while Kylian Mbappé restores parity later, leading the match in open‑play expected threat (0.48 xT) and non‑penalty xG (1.38). Bernardo Silva adds two key passes, and Eduardo Camavinga tops defensive actions with 18. AEK’s Lazaros Rota shines defensively with 14 actions, but Madrid claims three crucial points.
THE LINE OF PRESTIGE (PART 2) | OPEN THREAD | NOV 5, 2026
Managing Madrid’s latest thread, “The Line of Prestige (Part 2),” reflects on Real Madrid’s recent comeback win in Athens and warns that PSG could eclipse the club by clinching a third Champions League title. The author critiques the ease of high‑profile matchups, arguing it harms meritocracy and revenue-driven hype, while hinting at internal drama over a red‑card incident that may have saved the season. Moderator names and a cryptic note about a 15‑year‑old named JJ Gabriel add a community feel to the discussion.
Real Madrid’s Hot Start Under Mourinho Is Nothing New
Real Madrid’s 0-3 win over Racing Santander gave Mourinho’s side 27 points from 11 La Liga games – a tally achieved only 17 times in the club’s 96‑year history. The Portuguese manager has overseen three of those strong starts, matching his 2010/11 (29 points) and 2011/12 (28 points) campaigns. Madrid have already scored 28 goals and create four big chances per match, the best early‑season rate since 2017/18. Yet history shows such hot starts don’t guarantee the title – only the 1968/69 team won the league after a similar run.
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