Real Madrid's underlying numbers look surprisingly strong this season. So why does the football feel so far behind Europe's best teams?
Sid (@agarthasid) is joined by Aadam to examine Real Madrid's start to the 2026/27 season through the numbers. Using advanced statistics, they compare Mourinho's Madrid to Real Madrid's 2023/24 Champions League-winning side and Barcelona, looking at expected goals, field tilt, possession, pressing and dangerous turnovers.
The numbers reveal a team that creates chances and limits dangerous possession losses but struggles to control territory, disrupt opponents' build-up and maintain possession under pressure.
The conversation turns to Vinícius Jr., Mbappé's defensive workload, why Xabi Alonso preferred Rodrygo in certain situations, and the personnel changes Madrid need to compete for the Champions League.
Become a member for the extended discussion on Florentino Pérez, Mourinho, Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa and the Mbappé-Vinícius problem.
Featuring:
Sid (@agarthasid)
Aadam (@aa9media)
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction & Aadam joins The Real Deal
02:00 Madrid's statistical profile under Mourinho
04:23 Do the expected goals flatter Real Madrid?
05:50 Comparing Mourinho's Madrid to the 2023/24 champions
07:35 The alarming decline in possession and field tilt
09:05 What Zidane understood about controlling games
10:53 Why opponents defend so deep against Madrid
12:03 Mourinho's build-up numbers and dangerous turnovers
15:19 Madrid's biggest pressing problem
17:50 The difference between Madrid and Barcelona
19:15 Why Vinícius and Mbappé cannot both neglect defending
20:40 Arda Güler, Diomande and the case for change
21:10 Why Alonso preferred Rodrygo
23:15 Vinícius' decline and his physical condition
24:00 What Madrid's best lineup should look like
25:25 Can Mourinho make the difficult decisions?
28:45 Has Real Madrid forgotten its identity?
Become a member for the extended discussion on Florentino Pérez, Mourinho, Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa and the Mbappé-Vinícius problem.
