Managing Madrid
Dominating European football since March 6th 1902
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Racing Santander vs Real Madrid 2026 live stream: Time, TV channels and how to watch La Liga online
Real Madrid travel to El Sardinero on November 1, 2026, to face Racing Santander just days after their El Clásico win over Barcelona. The article lists predicted line‑ups for both sides, featuring Courtois, Mbappé and Bellingham for Los Blancos and a backline anchored by Mantilla and Pablo Ramón for Racing. Kick‑off is set for 16:15 CET (10:15 a.m. EST), with TV coverage on DAZN La Liga in Spain and ESPN Deportes in the U.S., and a streaming option via ESPN+ in America. Fans can tune in to see if Real can maintain pressure on Hansi Flick’s Bayern side.
DAILY THREAD | Nov 1, 2026
Real Madrid travel to El Sardinero on November 1 for a crucial La Liga clash against Racing Santander, who remain unbeaten at home. Manager José Mourinho faces a rotation dilemma after Fede Valverde remains sidelined with injury, prompting a surprise start by Denzel Dumfries at right‑back while Trent Alexander‑Arnold sits on the bench. The club announced its matchday squad via Twitter and highlighted Racing’s solid defensive record but modest attacking output. With Atletico and Barcelona both on winning streaks, Madrid must secure three points to keep pace in the title race.
Madrid Daily: Castilla beat Cartagena, Militão burglary report and Racing’s ticket crackdown
Real Madrid Castilla clinches a 2–0 win over Cartagena, with Pol Fortuny scoring in the 12th minute and Alexis Ciria adding a second five minutes later. Meanwhile, Racing Santander announces two player absences and tightens ticket controls ahead of their clash with Real Madrid. In off‑field news, Éder Militão’s home is burglarized during the Clásico, with valuables over €350,000 reported stolen. The piece also revisits Yan Diomande’s early development, highlighting his dribbling talent and academic focus at Academia AFI Sud Comoé.
Racing Santander vs Real Madrid, 2026 La Liga: Predicted lineups
Real Madrid head to El Sardinero on November 1 for their first visit to Racing Santander in over ten years. Los Blancos miss Fede Valverde, still injured from El Clásico, and Vinícius Jr. sits out due to a three‑game suspension. Predicted line‑ups feature Thibaut Courtois in goal; a back four of Dumfries, Konaté, Rüdiger and Carreras; Tchouaméni and Bernardo Silva in midfield; and an attack led by Güler, Bellingham, Diomande and Mbappé. The match kicks off at 16:15 CET and will be shown on DAZN in Spain and ESPN Deportes/ESPN+ in the U.S.
Real Madrid announce squad for La Liga match against Racing Santander
Real Madrid reveal their 20‑man lineup for the La Liga clash with Racing Santander on Sunday, 1 Nov 2026. Goalkeepers Courtois (returning after missing El Clásico), Lunin and Mestre start, while defenders include Militão, Huijsen, Trent and Rüdiger. Midfield sees Bellingham, Camavinga, Tchouameni and Arda Güler; the attack features Endrick, Mbappé, C. Espí and Brahim. Valverde remains out with a minor muscle injury. The match kicks off at 16:15 CET (10:15 EST) at El Sardinero, streamed on DAZN (Spain) and ESPN+ (USA).
The last time at El Sardinero
Real Madrid’s last trip to Racing Santander’s El Sardinero ended in a 0‑0 stalemate on September 21, 2011. José Mourinho’s side, fielding Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Iker Casillas and a defence of Álvaro Arbeloa, Raphaël Varane, Ricardo Carvalho and Marcelo, struggled against Héctor Cúper’s organized Racing, who limited Xabi Alonso’s impact. After a defeat at Levante, Madrid needed points but could not convert possession into chances despite halftime substitutions of Ángel Di María, Gonzalo Higuaín and Kaká. The draw left Madrid with just one point from two away games.
Yan Diomande on Real Madrid: “I feel like we are a family”
Real Madrid winger Yan Diomande describes the club as a close‑knit family during a post‑match interview after the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 El Clásico on October 25, 2026. The shy Ivorian, the youngest in the squad, praises teammates Vini Kornet, Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni for their friendliness and says playing alongside his childhood idols is a privilege. Diomande also shares a personal motive, dedicating every performance to his late sister and mother.
Should Real Madrid Bring Back Jacobo Ramon? Yes. Here’s Why.
Real Madrid could trigger a €9 million buy‑back clause for 21‑year‑old Jacobo Ramon, one of Serie A’s top ball‑playing centre‑backs. Ramon arrives with Champions League experience, a 92nd‑percentile forward‑pass completion rate, and a record 12‑for‑12 aerial duels against Torino, plus three set‑piece goals this season. His arrival would upgrade the defense, potentially replacing Raul Asencio and allowing competition with Dean Huijsen, Eder Militao and Ibrahima Konaté, while freeing up the €8‑9 million slot before his price rises to €10 million in 2028. With Premier clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal circling, Madrid faces a lucrative timing decision.
Harry Kane: “Jose Mourinho definitely made his stamp on me”
Harry Kane reveals how former Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho shaped his evolution toward a 2026 Ballon d’Or ambition. In a fresh interview featured on the All or Nothing series, Kane recounts Mourinho granting him freedom, honing his skill set and offering personal encouragement, even sending a congratulatory message after his biggest individual accolade. The striker credits Mourinho’s personality and tactical guidance for leaving a lasting imprint on his game, highlighting the Portuguese manager’s role in Kane’s quest to join the likes of Ronaldo and Messi.
SCOUTING RACING SANTANDER: Not to be taken lightly at all
Racing Santander’s season hinges on a leaky defence despite a decent attack. In the first 10 LaLiga games José Alberto López’s side have netted 15 goals but conceded 26, recording three wins, two draws and five losses. They rank ninth for non‑penalty xG (12.3) and have outscored that metric with 14 non‑penalty goals, led by Yassir Zabiri’s eight strikes. Defensively, they allow the third‑most non‑penalty xG (15.7) and concede 21 goals, well above expectations. The team presses aggressively (PPDA 11.2) but often does so deep in their own half, ranking 13th for defensive actions distance. Iñigo Vicente provides the biggest passing threat (3.5 xT), while the 4‑2‑3‑1 formation yields 343 open‑play passes per match, the league’s 11th‑highest xT total.
Valverde expected to miss Sunday’s match against Racing Santander
Real Madrid defender Fede Valverde skips Saturday training and is expected to sit out Sunday’s away game against Racing Santander after stretching a minor muscle injury in El Clásico. Coach José Mourinho may rotate the squad, but midfielder Arda Güler is back in training and available. Riding the confidence of their recent dominant win over Barcelona, Los Blancos enter as heavy favorites for the three points in Santander.
Mourinho: “If being defensive gets you 100 points and 120 goals, I’m happy to be defensive”
At a pre‑match press conference, Real Madrid manager José Mourinho defends his defensive approach, saying it can still earn 100 points and 120 goals. He stresses a balanced, open mindset, praises his players, and notes the team’s calmness ahead of the Sunday clash with Racing Santander. Mourinho also paid tribute to the victims of the Urda tragedy, lauded Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or win, and highlighted the squad’s growing maturity after the recent Clasico, insisting the season’s goal remains the league title.
DAILY THREAD | Oct 31, 2026
Real Madrid’s midfield sees a boost with Bernardo Silva: possession jumps from 47% to 57% when he plays, and Mourinho has shifted him into a deeper role to improve build‑up. After waiting for Silva’s peak physical condition, Mourinho now makes him a regular starter. Meanwhile, teenage forward Endrick hints at a possible January loan if minutes stay limited, despite Mourinho’s assurances. Fans also debate the ideal central‑back pairing once the squad is fully fit.
Enrick not ruling out January loan options—report
Real Madrid’s Brazilian prodigy Endrick remains undecided on a January loan, with AS journalist Marco Ruiz citing interest from Roma and AC Milan. While Mourinho publicly rejects any move, insisting Endrick doesn’t need a loan and should thrive at the Bernabeu, the coach reportedly won’t block a departure if the forward chooses it. Roma’s summer pursuit was halted by Mourinho, and Milan now emerge as the latest suitor. Endrick says he will weigh his playing‑time prospects at Madrid before deciding as the winter window looms.
Mbappé missed out on the Ballon D’Or by only 28 points
Kylian Mbappé missed the 2026 Ballon d’Or by a razor‑thin margin of 28 points, finishing with 1,027 to Harry Kane’s 1,055. Kane’s 40 first‑place votes outpaced Mbappé’s 23, delivering the fourth‑closest top‑two finish ever. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal took third (881 points), while Real Madrid’s other stars lagged: Jude Bellingham 11th (107 points), Vinícius Júnior 17th (26 points). Rodri placed fourth, ahead of Lionel Messi, and Kane became the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001.
Vinicius and Endrick make Brazil’s list for the next FIFA break
Coach Carlo Ancelotti drops Vinícius Júnior and teenage prodigy Endrick into Brazil’s November FIFA‑break squad for friendlies against Japan (Nov 14) and Singapore (Nov 17). Meanwhile, Real Madrid centre‑back Éder Militao remains in Madrid to rebuild fitness after a hamstring setback that sidelined him from preseason. Los Blancos aim to maintain momentum ahead of the break with away fixtures versus Racing Santander, AEK Athens and Valencia, underscoring the need to stay sharp away from the Bernabéu.
DAILY THREAD | Oct 30, 2026
Managing Madrid’s Daily Thread recaps Real Madrid’s recent triumph over Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou on October 25, 2026, featuring a celebration with coach José Mourinho and goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The post looks ahead to an upcoming LaLiga away clash with Racing Santander, recalling the last meeting in February 2012 that ended 4‑0 to Madrid. It highlights Lunin’s status as a world‑class keeper, Vini Jr.’s intense daily training and scientific recovery work, and anticipates a tactical shift from Mourinho. Moderators and fans are thanked for keeping the forum lively.
Madrid Daily: China fallout expands, Brazil’s call-ups and the latest ahead of Racing
Chinese fallout from Kylian Mbappé's Mao meme spreads to video games as FC Online and Konami's eFootball strip his content from their Chinese editions. The controversy also forces the termination of his local sponsorships and prompts a delayed apology from Real Madrid, which Chinese media criticize for being superficial. Meanwhile, Real Madrid gears up for its November 1 match at Racing Santander, with Arda Güler and Fede Valverde completing individual training sessions and Ancelotti announcing Brazil call‑ups for Vinícius Júnior and Endrick while omitting Éder Militão.
Police identify Barcelona fan who assaulted Real Madrid players during El Clásico
A Barcelona supporter is being fined heavily and banned from Camp Nou after allegedly striking Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and other players with a flagpole during the El Clásico on October 29, 2026. Catalan police, aided by FC Barcelona, identified the fan from the Grada 1957 supporters' group. LaLiga filed a complaint, praised the club’s cooperation, and will refer the case to Barcelona’s Disciplinary Committee, which could face its own sanctions.
Henry praises Bellingham: “What he did in El Clásico was just a joke”
In his Betway Insider column, Arsenal great Thierry Henry lauds Real Madrid’s El Clásico win, singling out Jude Bellingham’s performance as “just a joke” — a nod to his dynamic play that reminded Henry of England’s display in Mexico. Henry also notes Kylian Mbappé’s brace and Man of the Match award, while praising Mourinho’s decisive tactics that keep the La Liga title race open despite a nine‑point gap. He highlights Barcelona’s early dominance, their recent loss to PSG, and the unpredictable nature of the championship race.
DAILY THREAD | Oct 29, 2026
Real Madrid’s Oct. 28 training session at Ciudad Real saw stars Carlos Espinosa, Dean Huijsen, Jude Bellingham, Trent Alexander‑Arnold and Brahim Díaz in action, while manager José Mourinho revealed a line‑up packed with Kylian Mbappé and other attackers for the upcoming El Clásico. A podcast analysis breaks down how Madrid dismantled Barcelona’s press, and health updates confirm Fede Valverde is fit, Arda Güler avoided overload, and Ferland Mendy is back training. The post also notes a retro Ballon d’Or poll naming Cristiano Ronaldo (2008) the greatest of all time.
Valverde escapes muscle injury after El Clásico
Fede Valverde avoids a feared muscle injury after being withdrawn from Sunday’s El Clásico, meaning he should be fit for Real Madrid’s match against Racing Santander this weekend. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also recovers from flu, while Arda Güler trains with minor fatigue, prompting José Mourinho to consider squad rotations after the demanding clash with Barcelona.
Switches, Wide Combinations, & Late Runs: How Mourinho Beat Barcelona in El Clásico
Mourinho's Real Madrid out‑smarted Barcelona in the October 25 El Clásico by repeatedly dragging the Catalans to one flank and then switching the ball to the opposite side. Early pressure from PSG highlighted Barcelona’s vulnerable full‑back spacing, which Valverde exploited with deep, diagonal passes to free players like Cucurella, Diomandé and Mbappé. A key moment came in the 40th minute when Mbappé’s run created a gap, allowing a cross to be turned into the winning goal. With Andriy Lunin in goal and a tactical focus on wide overloads and late runs, Madrid neutralised Barcelona’s high press and off‑side trap, securing a decisive victory.
Madrid Daily: Club apologizes over Mbappé comments as China broadcast dispute continues
Real Madrid apologises to Chinese fans after Kylian Mbappé’s joke about a meme portraying him as a Chinese dictator sparked a media backlash. The club’s statement, echoing Mbappé’s own multilingual apology, stresses respect for China and its supporters. China Media Group has suspended LaLiga broadcasts and ads featuring Mbappé, and the player’s deals with Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground have been terminated. LaLiga and the Spanish federation are negotiating with Chinese officials to restore coverage, while the Chinese foreign ministry acknowledges the apology but has not lifted the bans. The controversy coincides with a separate statement from Madrid on a tragic train collision in Toledo.
Kroos analyzes El Clásico: “I have to praise Mourinho”
Toni Kroos hails José Mourinho after Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou. He notes the shift from recent Clásicos that favored Barça, praising Mourinho’s tactical setup, bold attacking mindset, and the decisive use of Huijsen to mark Fermín. Kroos highlights Madrid’s intensity, solid defending and ability to exploit Barcelona’s struggle without possession, calling it an “excellent performance” that broke a six‑year losing streak. The former midfielder credits the forwards’ surge and the team’s unity for overturning the odds.
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