Real Madrid News

June 2, 2025

3 midfielders that Real Madrid can sign in the 2025 transfer market

Real Madrid have decided to go out in force to bring in players from the transfer market following an underwhelming season. Los Blancos have already parted ways with former manager Carlo Ancelotti and have welcomed Xabi Alonso at the helm of the club. Significant movements in the team have been seen in the past few weeks as veteran playmaker Luka Modric’s contract was not renewed, and the team saw the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen arrive.

Florentino Perez is not someone who will be content with a subpar season and he has shown his intent to participate actively in the summer transfer market. While the deal to sign Alvaro Carreras is expected to be made official before the Club World Cup, there have been several calls to add a new midfielder to the squad. Real Madrid know that they will need someone for Modric’s vacant position and the club has eyes on a number of playmakers, who could possibly become a regular first-team player in the future.

In this article, we probe into three midfielders that Real Madrid can bring in ahead of the new season.

Angelo Stiller

The “Kroos-recommended” midfielder tops our charts as it is no doubt that Angelo Stiller changed the game for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga this past campaign. The 24-year-old is a deep-lying playmaker, known for his capability to win ground duels to assert an impactful authority in the middle of the park. He is adept at reading passes and is mostly found in the right places in time to intercept dangerous balls.

Apart from his defensive abilities, Stiller is quick to turn defence into attack as he can take responsibility, from recovering the ball to mustering a counter-charge in no time by progressing the game and finding advantageous opportunities. The German seems comfortable at what he does and brings forth a calm presence in front of the defensive line.

Stiller is a modern midfielder, one who has the capacity to contribute in defence and then knows how to control the offensive tempo of the game to help his team’s attackers produce a lethal move upfront.

Martin Zubimendi

A product of the Real Sociedad academy which is known for unleashing remarkably talented playmakers, Martin Zubimendi would be an instant fit into the Real Madrid setup.

The 26-year-old Basque knows Spanish football like the back of his hand as he has made over 180 appearances for Real Sociedad since being promoted to the first team. Like Stiller, Zubimendi too is a deep-lying midfielder and he excels in ball retention in tight areas and shows tactful composure when adapting to the changing dynamics of the game.

Often compared to Sergio Busquets, Zubimendi is adept at crafting opportunities for his side to exploit and he is also seen making forward runs, jeopardising the opponents’ defence structure and marking. Real Madrid already have a lethal forward line-up with Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham. If Zubimendi arrives at Real, his ability to make forward runs will be a bonus but his ability to operate in tight spaces with technical skills mirrors his talent to that of Xabi Alonso.

Nico Paz

This is one midfielder who has caught the eye of numerous European clubs. Nico Paz has been a joy to watch under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas at Como.

The Argentine was a rising talent when he used to play for Real Madrid B as he was often deployed as right advanced midfielder. However, he has grown exponentially under Fabregas as he allows him tactical freedom by encouraging him to run forward into the final thirds of the pitch.

At Real Madrid, Paz’s role was constricted to that of a holding midfielder but with Como, he has unlocked his ability to threaten the opposition defence by increasing the numerical superiority of his side. Paz runs the midfield show at Como and he has paid rich dividends to the Italian side. In addition to this offensive intent, Paz is a strong controller of the ball and when the opposition is not pressing him, he can become a real menace with his remarkable ball distribution skills.

Real Madrid have a buyback clause in place for the midfielder and it will not be a big task for the club to bring him back whenever they want.

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé celebrates after scoring two goals against Real Betis.
March 30, 2025

REVIEW | Real Madrid 3-2 Leganes

Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham help Real Madrid overcome Leganes as they go level on points with Barcelona at the top.

Real Madrid returned from the international break with a victory, but they were made to work hard for it by neighbourhood rivals Leganes. Kylian Mbappe continued his goalscoring form as he handed his side the lead in the 32nd minute through a penalty.

Despite taking the lead, Real Madrid were shocked by Leganes’ fighting as they overturned the deficit and took the lead in 8 minutes. Diego Garcia and Dani Raba were the pioneers for Leganes as they searched for a famous victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid headed into the break with a goal deficit. However, the team regrouped and rallied just within two minutes of the second half as Jude Bellingham slotted home to equalise the scores.

Leganes looked like a lost cause after Bellingham’s goal as they could not gather themselves to come around once again. Mbappe sprung up in the 76th minute, netting his 22nd goal of the season in LaLiga and cruising Real towards the three points.

January 5, 2025

Copa del Rey PREVIEW | Deportiva Minera v Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey quest begins tomorrow when they travel to the Estadio Municipal Angel Celdran to face fourth-tier side Deportiva Minera.

Minera earned promotion to the Spanish fourth division last season after a stellar campaign in the fifth tier. The Red Eagles have struggled since November last year to seal a league victory and they arrive into this match on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Juventud Torremolinos in their previous outing.

Jose Perez’s side are jubilant about hosting the mighty Real Madrid in their backyard after progressing through to the next round following a 5-0 win over Tudelano.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid were on the verge of losing in their last match against Valencia but their first comeback of the new year helped them earn three points. Los Che struck in the first half through Hugo Duro’s goal and it was not until the 80th minute that Los Blancos burst into action.

Vinicius Jr.’s red card breathed new life as Luka Modric equalised in the 85th minute before Jude Bellingham redeemed himself for a missed penalty earlier by netting the decider of the contest in added time.

Real Madrid are now provisional LaLiga leaders but Atletico Madrid could surpass them as the latter have a game-in-hand. The victory helped them go five points clear of Barcelona.

Team News

Omar Pedormo is expected to start the match after scoring five goals and registering two assists this season for Minera.

As for Real Madrid, Vinicius will have to serve a suspension for his actions against Valencia.

Carlo Ancelotti is set to rotate his side heavily for the game as Andriy Lunin, Raul Asencio, Fran Garcia, Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler are in contention to start.

Predicted XIs

Deportiva Minera (4-4-2): Martinez; Mas, Monty, Vera, Heredero; Pujante, Petcoff, Britos, Pipo; Perdomo, Ferron

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Lunin; Vazquez, Asencio, Vallejo, Garcia; Ceballos, Tchouameni; Brahim, Modric, Guler; Endrick

Vinicius Jr and Mbappé celebrate after scoring against Real Sociedad.
December 21, 2024

LaLiga PREVIEW | Real Madrid v Sevilla

Real Madrid will aim to put the pressure on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid with a win when they face Sevilla tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid will approach their next fixture with a big boost after lifting the Intercontinental Cup midweek by defeating Pachuca 3-0. Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo were on the scoresheet to bag the club’s fifth trophy of 2024.

Los Blancos gained momentum with a victory over Girona earlier this month but they failed to sustain the run as they hit a roadblock at Vallecas against Rayo Vallecano. Carlo Ancelotti’s men will look to secure two wins out of their upcoming two games before they head to Copa Del Rey and Supercopa De Espana clashes.

Meanwhile, Sevilla will arrive at this match without much hope as they hold a humiliating away record against Real. They are winless at the Bernabeu since December 2008 but they will expect a weary home side due to their Intercontinental fixture midweek.

Los Nervionenses are currently 11th in the league standings, seven points clear of the relegation zone but a loss tomorrow could put them again under the pressure of a dropzone dogfight. Garcia Pimienta’s side have improved a bit from last season’s underwhelming run but there is still a long way to go for them.

Results from their last five matches across all competitions

Real Madrid:

W D W W L

Sevilla:

W L W D W

Team News

Real Madrid will miss Vinicius this weekend as he serves a suspension. Rodrygo could deputize in his place.

Mbappe returned to the field against Pachuca and therefore should be ready to start this one too.

Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois and Federico Valverde missed out on training on Friday but they should be available to feature.

Sevilla will miss the likes of  Djibril Sow, Adria Pedrosa, Chidera Ejuke, Rafa Mir and Tanguy Nianzou will miss the match through injury.

Manu Bueno is set to start after netting once against Celta Vigo.

Predicted XIs

Real Madrid: Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, F Garcia; Valverde, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Brahim; Mbappe

Sevilla: Fernandez; Montiel, Bade, Gudelj, Salas; Bueno, Agoume, Saul; Navas, Romero, Lukebakio

December 14, 2024

LaLiga PREVIEW | Rayo Vallecano v Real Madrid

Real Madrid make the short trip to Vallecas to face Ray Vallecano with hopes of becoming the provisional league leaders.

Rayo Vallecano have registered five wins, four draws and seven defeats from their first 15 matches of the season. This record has put them 12th in the league standings and consolidating a reasonable six-point gap from the relegation zone.

Pathe Ciss’ only strike in their last match against Valencia helped them storm to victory as Rayo followed their win over Los Unionistas in the Copa Del Rey with another one. While Inigo Perez’s side do not hold a favourable home record this campaign but Real Madrid too have faltered on the road.

Los Franjirrojos held Los Blancos to draws in each of their two meetings last season and they will aim to get away with a point tonight.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid approach this match on the back of a thrilling 3-2 victory over in-form Atalanta in the Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti’s men were hanging by a thread in the UCL before this result but the three points have now changed the scenario.

Vini Jr., Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham made their name on the scoresheet as they successfully resisted a potential comeback spirited by La Dea.

A win tonight will send Real Madrid as league leaders provisionally as Barcelona face Leganes on Sunday.

Results from their last five matches across all competitions

Rayo Vallecano:

W W L L L

Real Madrid:

W W L W L

Team News

Rayo are set to be without the likes of Pelayo Fernandez and Raul De Tomas. Alvaro Garcia, Isi Palazon and Jorge De Frutos are to be fielded as the attacking trio.

As for Real Madrid, Mbappe is ruled out of the match due to an injury. Rodrygo has recovered from his recent knock and is expected to start.

Eduardo Camavinga returns on the squad list after a long injury hiatus.

Predicted XIs

Rayo Vallecano: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarria; Ciss, Valentin; De Frutos, Palazon, A Garcia; Nteka

Real Madrid: Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, F Garcia; Ceballos, Valverde; Brahim, Bellingham, Vinicius; Rodrygo

October 2, 2024

PREDICTED LINE-UPS | Lille v Real Madrid

Real Madrid will aim to continue their unbeaten streak across all competitions when they face Lille at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy tonight.

Champions League action returns for Real Madrid as they aim to register their second victory in the competition’s new format after defeating Stuttgart by a 3-1 margin in the opener. Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger and Endrick helped avert a potential comeback initiated by Deniz Undav’s 68th-minute strike to hand Los Blancos the three points. Carlo Ancelotti’s men went out in search of revenge against their neighbourhood rivals Atletico Madrid in their previous game but they were left just short to getting the victory from a fiery Madrid derby when Angel Correa netted the equaliser in added time.

Meanwhile, Lille come into this match in upbeat mood after securing a 3-0 win over Le Havre in their last match. Jonathan David, who has broken through the scoring charts since last season, was on point that day to net a hattrick. Les Dogues reached the Champions League through the playoff round where they sealed a 3-2 victory on aggregate against Slavia Praha. While Lille’s opening game did not go according to plan as Sporting Lisbon mastered a stunning performance through goals from Victor Gyokeres and Zeno Debast.

Here are the predicted line-ups for the match.

LOSC Lille: Chevalier; Tiago Santos, Diakite, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson; Andre, Andre Gomes, Cabella; Zhegrova, David, Sahraoui.

Real Madrid: Lunin; Carvajal, Eder Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior

April 26, 2024

PREDICTED LINE-UPS | Real Sociedad v Real Madrid

Real Madrid will look to take another stride towards clinching the LaLiga title when they face Real Sociedad tonight at San Sebastian.

Real Sociedad bring a 5-game unbeaten run to this match, consisting of three wins over Granada, Cadiz and Alaves and two draws with Almeria and Getafe respectively. They are three points clear of 7th-placed Real Betis in the league standings as any slip-up in their next few games could cost them a Europa League spot for next season. Imanol Alguacil’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the away reverse earlier this season but they managed to post a 2-0 victory at home last season in the same fixture.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid come into this match on the back of a 3-2 El Clasico victory over rivals Barcelona. Goals from Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vasquez cancelled out Andreas Christensen and Fermin Lopez’s efforts. Jude Bellingham rose to the occasion once again as his added-time strike stood the difference between the two sides as Los Blancos went clear at the top of the table by 11 points. Manager Carlo Ancelotti sis expected to rest many of his key players tonight to keep them fresh for next week’s clash versus Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

Here are the predicted line-ups for the match according to Diario AS:

Real Sociedad (4-3-3): Remiro; Galan, Le Normand, Zubeldia, Odriozola; Zubimendi, Zakharyan, Merino; Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal, Kubo.

Real Madrid (4-4-2): Lunin; Garcia, Nacho, Militao, Carvajal; Camavinga, Modric, Tchouameni, Brahim Diaz; Vinicius, Joselu.

April 12, 2024

LaLiga PREVIEW | Mallorca vs. Real Madrid

Real Madrid enter tomorrow’s match against Mallorca at the San Moix in hopes of opening up an 11-point lead at the top of the table.

Mallorca could not secure the second Copa Del Rey title in their history on Saturday despite taking an early lead. Dani Rodriguez opened the scoring in the 21st minute before Oliver Sancet equalised for Athletic Club just after the half-time resumption. 120 minutes of action could not separate the two sides as Bilbao lifted their first Copa Del Rey in 40 years through a penalty shootout.

Los Piratas are six points clear from the relegation zone but a string of mediocre performances during this period could pull them back to the survival dogfight. Javier Aguirre’s men will hope to have the home crowd on their back tomorrow as it would take a huge effort to even earn a point against the league leaders.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid played out a European classic in their last match in the Champions League quarter-finals first-leg against Manchester City. Both teams shared the spoils in the six-goal thriller as Los Blancos now await a tough contest at The Etihad next week to settle the tie.

Last season’s trip to Mallorca was unwelcoming for Real Madrid as racist insults hurled towards Vinicius Jr. and other players plagued the match. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will look to get the job irrespective of the audience’s mood.

Real has the best away record this season, picking up 34 points from 15 games and it is set to be a fiery clash as Mallorca have in turn lost only three home matches.

Team News

Mallorca will be without the services of Toni Lato, Dani Rodriguez and Copete as all three suffered minor injuries in the Copa Del Rey final.

Predrag Rajkovic is expected to return in between the sticks. Jaume Costa will start from the left flank.

As for Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti will shuffle his squad to keep his players well-rested for the trip to Manchester. Aurelien Tchouameni should start the match as he is suspended for the Man City clash.

Eder Militao and Kepa Arizzabalaga might get the nod as Ancelotti will assess his options.

Predicted XIs

Mallorca (5-3-2): Rajkovic; Gonzalez, Valjent, Raillo, Nastasic, J Costa; Darder, S Costa, Sanchez; Muriqi, Larin

Real Madrid (4-3-1-2): Lunin; Vazquez, Militao, Nacho, F Garcia; Ceballos, Tchouameni, Modric; Bellingham; Vinicius, Brahim

November 28, 2023

Champions League PREVIEW | Real Madrid v Napoli

After becoming league leaders thanks to Girona’s draw with Athletic Bilbao in the last LaLiga matchday, Real Madrid will aim to secure top spot in their group when they face Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League.

Real Madrid secured a place in the knockouts through a convincing 3-0 victory over Braga. Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo were on the scoresheet as the Spanish side drowned the Portuguese outfits. Los Blancos will be aiming to take things under control tomorrow and will hope not to be stressed as much as they were in the away reverse with Napoli.

Despite losing Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao to long-term injuries, Real Madrid have only conceded nine goals (the least) in the league this campaign and a clean sheet against the Partenopei will help add to their run.

Meanwhile, Napoli need to win tomorrow night or match Braga’s result with Union Berlin this weekend to progress to the Round of 16 stages.

The Neapolitans are having a contrasting season from the highs of last campaign and manager Rudi Garcia’s replacement with Walter Mazzarri is expected to turnaround things for the club. A 2-1 win over Atalanta in their last match consolidated the Partenopei’s top-four position as they are now three points clear of Roma in the standings. However, it is a long climb to defend their Scudetto.

Team News

As Real Madrid have already secured safe passage to the knockouts, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to rotate his squad. This may see Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo ruled out as starters.

Vinicius Jr. joined Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga on the treatment table as they are out for the rest of the year.

As for Napoli, Mathias Oliveria and Rui Garcia are both ruled out for the left-back position with injuries.

Giacomo Raspadori is predicted to be replaced by Victor Osimhen upfront. Juan Jesus is set to return to the starting line-up.

Predicted XIs

Real Madrid (4-4-2): Lunin; Lucas Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Nacho; Valverde, Kroos, Brahim Diaz, Bellingham; Joselu, Rodrygo

Napoli (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Natan, Juan Jesus; Lobotka, Zambo Anguissa, Zielinski; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham celebrates with teammates after scoring in El Clasico against Barcelona
October 28, 2023

MATCH REPORT | Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid

A last-minute strike from Jude Bellingham sealed the El Clásico in favour of Real Madrid.

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