Real Madrid’s Clasico Disaster: What’s Next for Los Blancos?

For Real Madrid fans, El Clasico is more than just a match—it’s a battle for pride, supremacy, and bragging rights. But after suffering a painful 4-0 defeat to their arch-rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu, Los Blancos are now grappling with the aftermath. This heavy loss has raised questions not just about their tactics, but also about the deeper issues brewing within the squad. In this edition of The Football Newsletter, we dive into what went wrong for Real Madrid and what it means for the rest of their season.

A Deafening Silence in the Dressing Room

The scenes at the final whistle told the story. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti shook hands with his Barcelona counterpart, Hansi Flick, but there was visible frustration as he gestured disapprovingly at one of Flick’s assistants who had celebrated exuberantly. The Real Madrid players, meanwhile, quietly slipped off the pitch, retreating into the sanctuary of the dressing room.

What followed was silence. According to sources close to the team, the dressing room was filled with players lost in thought, processing the heavy defeat. Unlike the jubilant celebrations that followed their recent 5-2 Champions League comeback against Borussia Dortmund, this time there were no interviews or statements—just a stony, collective silence. Even Real Madrid’s own media channel, Real Madrid TV, received no commentary from the squad.

Frustration Mounts Over Physical Conditioning

While the loss to Barcelona was a tactical and psychological blow, another issue has bubbled to the surface: doubts about the team’s physical preparation. Just days before El Clasico, a report from Spanish outlet Relevo revealed growing concerns among the squad over the training methods of fitness coach Antonio Pintus. Injuries have taken their toll, with key players like Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Rodrygo all sidelined, while Antonio Rudiger limped off during the Clasico with muscle discomfort.

Inside sources have confirmed that the report became a hot topic within the dressing room, sparking frustration that such information had been leaked ahead of the crucial fixture. Some players and staff have been critical of Pintus’ methods, describing them as outdated and insufficient. Others, however, point out that injuries are an unavoidable part of modern football, exacerbated by a relentless schedule.