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.

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.

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 Some players and staff have been critical of Pintus’ methods, describing them as outdated and insufficient.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.

Tactically, Ancelotti attempted to tweak his approach for El Clasico, focusing on pressing Barcelona’s defence with a high line and defensive contributions from star forwards Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe. The aim was to disrupt Barca’s passing game and exploit spaces behind their backline. In the first half, the strategy appeared to be working, with the score locked at 0-0 at the break.

Ancelotti defended his approach after the game, saying, “In my 48 years in football, I can tell you the first half was good.” But cracks began to show as Madrid struggled to stay onside—particularly Mbappe, who was caught offside eight times. A second-half collapse saw Robert Lewandowski score the first of four goals for Barcelona, exposing Real’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Despite Madrid’s efforts, they were unable to find the right balance between attack and defence, a recurring problem this season. Poor positioning by centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao allowed Barcelona’s forwards to exploit gaps, leading to a series of quick goals. As Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal revealed after the match, the Blaugrana noticed how tired Madrid’s players looked after the first half and ramped up their pressure accordingly.

This Clasico defeat is only the latest incident in a series of tensions within Real Madrid’s backroom team. For months, there have been disagreements over training methods, team management, and match preparation. While Ancelotti’s experience has helped keep things relatively stable, there’s a growing sense that not everyone is on the same page.

The report highlighting concerns over the team’s fitness only added fuel to the fire. While some insiders back Ancelotti’s methods, others worry that Madrid are falling behind physically compared to Europe’s top teams. This divide within the coaching team has been a source of friction, and the public leak of these concerns ahead of El Clasico has only intensified the spotlight on Ancelotti and his staff.

Kylian Mbappe, Madrid’s marquee signing, has brought undeniable firepower to the attack, but he cut a frustrated figure against Barcelona. Twice in the match, he saw goals disallowed for offside, leading to visible agitation. His aggressive pressing in the first half seemed promising, but Madrid’s lack of coordination and Barca’s well-executed defensive line meant he spent much of the game chasing shadows.

Despite the disappointment, Madrid’s coaching staff remain confident that Mbappe’s presence will make the team more dangerous in attack. The challenge now is finding a way to utilise his strengths without leaving the defence vulnerable—a balance that has eluded Ancelotti’s side so far this season.

Real Madrid’s defensive lapses are a growing concern. The lack of chemistry between their centre-backs and poor individual performances, particularly from left-back Ferland Mendy and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, have left the team exposed. After Lewandowski’s opening goal, Barcelona quickly capitalised, with Yamal and Raphinha adding to the scoreline. Madrid’s four shots on target paled in comparison to Barca’s clinical finishing, which also included a strike that rattled the post.

With 15 matches played this season, Madrid’s inconsistent form has raised doubts about whether they can compete for silverware. While Ancelotti insists that they “competed well” against Barcelona and points to the improvement from their previous loss to Lille, some board members are growing impatient. Unlike earlier in the season, when there was a call for patience, the excuse of being in the season’s early stages no longer holds weight.

Despite the setback, Ancelotti has retained the support of key figures within the club, including director of football Santiago Solari and director general Jose Angel Sanchez. Yet, the shadow of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez looms large. Perez, known for his demanding nature, has always kept his managers on a tightrope. The famous phrase among Ancelotti’s coaching staff—“we always live with our suitcases by the door”—speaks to the ever-present pressure at the club.

With an upcoming clash against Valencia, Real Madrid must quickly regain their composure. Emilio Butragueno, the club’s director of institutional relations, called for unity in his post-match interview: “When defeat comes, that’s when we have to be united.”

Madrid’s next few matches will be crucial in determining their trajectory for the season. Addressing fitness concerns, tightening up their defence, and finding the right tactical balance will be key. For now, Ancelotti remains committed to his approach, but the coming weeks will test his ability to rally his squad and put this painful Clasico defeat behind them.

Stay tuned to The Football Newsletter as we continue to follow Madrid’s journey, bringing you the latest insights and analysis from Europe’s top clubs.