La Liga (Spanish League) Prediction Thread 2025/26

[Luzin]

Considering Arbeloa has not yet found the best alternative for Madrid's play and his status as a temporary replacement, who would be the suitable coach to replace him? I'm worried about coaches who might end up facing the same situation as Xabi, unable to handle the heavy burden of the players' names. But I also know there are coaches who can manage these stars. In your opinion, who is he?

[wakier]

I can say that I concur with most of the issues raised here, but I believe that the situation is not as unbalanced as it appears. Real Madrid are obviously in a bad spell, particularly in the defensive end and giving away easily to opponents is not a common thing with a club of such stature. It is just that they lose to a so-called normal team in the Champions League which is only more evidence of their unstable form. But we have the same story with Madrid. Even when they are disarranged and defenseless, they usually manage to get on.

I think Real Madrid current performance is still in a transition period with a new coach so we can understand if Real Madrid performance cannot immediately improve because when Xabi Alonso was still coaching Real Madrid was already experiencing difficult times, yes, Real Madrid problem lies in their defense and the coach needs to improve it, especially in the back line, for a club like Real Madrid to concede 4 goals from Benfica can be said to be embarrassing because Benfica performance this season in the UCL is not that good unless Real Madrid loses to strong teams in the UCL, it might be normal.

[Antotena]

I understand Benfica is not a small team and I am not even going to take them to be any of those teams they can mess with, but this is real madrid we are talking, they are not a team Benfica should normally have this walkover them unless they lack form which is the real case scenario. You can't get a 4 goals trash on Madrid so easily, at least they should have work harder and all you have is Mbappe's two goals which could have been better with more goals to fill up the goal gaps existing in between the two teams. This Real Madrid case is what many fans and analysts and commentators will be talking about till the next couple of weeks because of their bad decisions.

Do you know how many time Jose Mourihno has get over the years and use this Madrid match with Benfica as an opportunity to get back to this team. This is the same coach that won 3 trophies for Real Madrid and he is not consider to be the best, this was his best moments to show the world that he is still the best, he used Benfica to prove a point to the people which he did, Real Madrid enter his claws and he used that do tear tear them.

Real Madrid needed this match to be able to stand well in the Champions League, they would have been among the top 8 if not for the outcome. You hardly even see this side of Real Madrid if not for Jose Mourihno and his team that made that possible. They have demonstrated that Real Madrid isn't the best and yes they are not despite all the money they spent on these players because they want trophies, the club wasn't even dramatic when they had less players compared to now.

[Phoenix Anka]

I can say that I concur with most of the issues raised here, but I believe that the situation is not as unbalanced as it appears. Real Madrid are obviously in a bad spell, particularly in the defensive end and giving away easily to opponents is not a common thing with a club of such stature. It is just that they lose to a so-called normal team in the Champions League which is only more evidence of their unstable form. But we have the same story with Madrid. Even when they are disarranged and defenseless, they usually manage to get on.

I think Real Madrid current performance is still in a transition period with a new coach so we can understand if Real Madrid performance cannot immediately improve because when Xabi Alonso was still coaching Real Madrid was already experiencing difficult times, yes, Real Madrid problem lies in their defense and the coach needs to improve it, especially in the back line, for a club like Real Madrid to concede 4 goals from Benfica can be said to be embarrassing because Benfica performance this season in the UCL is not that good unless Real Madrid loses to strong teams in the UCL, it might be normal.

Every year we get our hopes up for Real Madrid when the Champions League starts, but for the last two years they've been a disappointment in the competition. This defeat against Benfica is a major warning sign for them. Because they have the possibility of facing Benfica again in the playoffs, and if they experience such a match again, getting revenge will be difficult. Plus, they received two red cards in that match. Rodrygo and Asencio were sent off and will miss the next game. With these missing players, the first playoff match will be a tough one for Real Madrid.

[Localhostspeed]

Barcelona have only one point more than Real Madrid in La Liga but with advantage of fixture in coming weeks as well as instability of Real Madrid performances by unresolved problems, Barcelona will have kind of opportunity to expand the 1-point difference to something bigger in the near future.

What I have observed about trophies in different leagues that I have withness is that greatness comes with humbling, you can't win league when you are rude, feel the world revolved around you and feel entitled to a league, Real Madrid is suffering from this syndrome but worse of it is that I have not experienced one like this before after what happened between the team and Benfica, there is no way they are going to beat the current form of Barcelona.

Don't look at that one point you are seeing, Real Madrid can play their next match and maybe lose but Barcelona can do 5/5 and win the matches all through, not sure how Rwla Madrid are going to win 5/5 matches without not making the headline. Like, we have made standard as if Madrid are the owners of Laliga and it's not. Those periods when Barcelona was dealing with bankruptcy, they had their time but still managed to do better unlike Real Madrid that looks better but are the worst form now.

[Egii Nna]

I think he’s misunderstanding or don’t know anything about Benfica, I’ve known Benfica for a long time now, and to be honest Befinca have been doing well on their own, Benfica is not a weak opponent for Real Madrid, they are capable beating Real Madrid. Which they did yesterday, so thinking they are weak or just normal team that Real could score like weak is wrong.

Moreover they were playing at home, they did pretty well, and I love that, even though I expected Real Madrid to win the match.

I know Benfica are now such a weak team, but with the current squad of Real Madrid, losing to Benfica is a big disappointment because they are not even a match. We all know that Real Madrid have more experience than them and should be able to beat Benfica, but coming onto the pitch, we started seeing Real Madrid playing all sorts of rubbish, to the extent that you would think this Real Madrid were beginners on the pitch. Although it has already passed, if I even remember that game, I become angry, so it’s better not to even talk about the game.

[Oluwa-btc]

Haaland is the kind of striker who needs a good midfield that supplies him with balls. Also, ball possession is very important, and this is why he has performed so well in Manchester City in some seasons. Without that, the team starts to appear like they are one man short.

If you know Real Madrid's style of play, ball possession is mostly not part of it. Haaland may not be a perfect choice for Real Madrid for that matter.

Erling Haaland is a natural goalscorer. You talk about his present with Manchester City and that's cool, but how dis he thrive and score all those goals he had with Borussia Dortmund and his side in Norway, was he so much dependent on the midfielders and ball possession side?! He will continue to thrive, but it's best if his team mates bring the ball to him. Real Madrid can be both, but they're more of a similar side to what he did with Borussia Dortmund.

[Futurexxx]

Erling Haaland is a natural goalscorer. You talk about his present with Manchester City and that's cool, but how dis he thrive and score all those goals he had with Borussia Dortmund and his side in Norway, was he so much dependent on the midfielders and ball possession side?! He will continue to thrive, but it's best if his team mates bring the ball to him. Real Madrid can be both, but they're more of a similar side to what he did with Borussia Dortmund.

Wether you agree to this or not, I just want you to understand that for any striker to strive, he needs the services coming in, and erling haaland can't do anything if the balls are not coming.
As for the possession base team, you are actually right, I don't think that it's necessary to get the best out of him, what he just needs is the passes in those key areas of the opposition halves.

I call him the beast because he is capable of destroying any team in the world as long as those services are coming in, so I believe that he can do well in any team he find himself that have players that plays to his strength.

[Pandu Geddon]

Considering Arbeloa has not yet found the best alternative for Madrid's play and his status as a temporary replacement, who would be the suitable coach to replace him? I'm worried about coaches who might end up facing the same situation as Xabi, unable to handle the heavy burden of the players' names. But I also know there are coaches who can manage these stars. In your opinion, who is he?

There are rumors about a new coach candidate for Madrid. Unai Emery is the latest name currently rumored to be considered as one of Madrid's coaching candidates. 
Unai Emery is the coach of Aston Villa, who has shown quite a good performance this season. Rumor has it that the club management has contacted Unai Emery's side, but there is no further news regarding what will happen next. 
Coaching Madrid is both a challenge and pressure for a coach.

[SilverCryptoBullet]

There are rumors about a new coach candidate for Madrid. Unai Emery is the latest name currently rumored to be considered as one of Madrid's coaching candidates.  
Unai Emery is the coach of Aston Villa, who has shown quite a good performance this season. Rumor has it that the club management has contacted Unai Emery's side, but there is no further news regarding what will happen next.  
Coaching Madrid is both a challenge and pressure for a coach.

Unai Emery is a good candidate as he has experienced in several big clubs and in La Liga with Villareal as well. Unai will not need too considerable time for adaptation in La Liga if he signs with Real Madrid as their next head coach. With several matches after replacing Xabi Alonso temporarily, Arbeloa did not show any positive signals that he is able to complete this season well with Real Madrid. So far in my opinion, sacking Xabi Alonso is a bad decision from Florentino Perez as with Xabi, at least Real Madrid won't finish this season too bad, even no title.

With Arbeloa, Real Madrid will possibly lose more points in La Liga and will lose more than a title but maybe a second position while in Champions League, they will have to play two playoff matches with unknown results and these matches contain a lot of risk.

Erling Haaland is a natural goalscorer. You talk about his present with Manchester City and that's cool, but how dis he thrive and score all those goals he had with Borussia Dortmund and his side in Norway, was he so much dependent on the midfielders and ball possession side?! He will continue to thrive, but it's best if his team mates bring the ball to him. Real Madrid can be both, but they're more of a similar side to what he did with Borussia Dortmund.

Erling Haaland has his talent but his successful career so far does not only come from his talent but also from his professional trainings. Many gifted youth players failed to develop their career while Haaland shined when he was very young in Red Bull Salzburg to Dortmund and now in Manchester City. He has maintained his ambition, professional, and great dedication to not only maintain his performance quality but also developing his skills and performances further.

[Republikcoin.com]

Erling Haaland is a natural goalscorer. You talk about his present with Manchester City and that's cool, but how dis he thrive and score all those goals he had with Borussia Dortmund and his side in Norway, was he so much dependent on the midfielders and ball possession side?! He will continue to thrive, but it's best if his team mates bring the ball to him. Real Madrid can be both, but they're more of a similar side to what he did with Borussia Dortmund.

In terms of dependency, Haaland is more dependent on having the ball passed to him without having to hold the ball for much of the game. He clearly has the ability to finish if his teammates continue to trust him to score goals as long as the ball is passed to him when the team is building attacks against the opponent. So, for now, anyone who wants Haaland needs teammates who are willing to fully support him to achieve the best possible results, as most goals are the result of teamwork, even if a small percentage are by chance.

[banana33]

Also, after Kroos and modrich left the team, Madrid's midfield is also a bit inconsistent. And now arbeloa is leading the team. Arbeloa's experience is very limited. It is  unlikely that he will keep madrid's performance stable in the long term.

Real Madrid is a squad that could give away all the talents it has and make yet another squaxdra, it has certain talents in all the best teams in Europe ready to return home, i believe that Nico Paz is a deadly graft in the midfield and when he returns the music will change.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Considering Arbeloa has not yet found the best alternative for Madrid's play and his status as a temporary replacement, who would be the suitable coach to replace him? I'm worried about coaches who might end up facing the same situation as Xabi, unable to handle the heavy burden of the players' names. But I also know there are coaches who can manage these stars. In your opinion, who is he?

Madrid won against two strong teams like monaco and villarreal with the help of Arbeloa. I thought that this season , madrid management will probably rely on arbeloa. Madrid's performance was good in both matches. But the team stumbled badly against Benfica.

Madrid conceded four goals  against benfica. This is their biggest failure. And another problem is that madrid's performance is irregular. If the performance is so irregular, it is impossible  to win the title.
If Madrid management can bring zidane back, it will be the best for them. It is impossible to manage this madrid squad without an experienced manager. Madrid players do  not care about a talented manager like Alonso.

[Velvet78]

Real Madrid is a squad that could give away all the talents it has and make yet another squaxdra, it has certain talents in all the best teams in Europe ready to return home, i believe that Nico Paz is a deadly graft in the midfield and when he returns the music will change.

While Paz is performing incredibly in the Serie A it is really inevitable for him to return to Real Madrid. They will even be able to get him for even a funny amount like 9 million euros.  

Thanks to a buy-back clause of course otherwise his market value is 65 million now. I can imagine the disappointment in Como after that.

When Paz returns he will need to fight hard for his place. There are many star midfielders at Real Madrid.

[Fakhrulenclix]

Also, after Kroos and modrich left the team, Madrid's midfield is also a bit inconsistent. And now arbeloa is leading the team. Arbeloa's experience is very limited. It is  unlikely that he will keep madrid's performance stable in the long term.

Real Madrid is a squad that could give away all the talents it has and make yet another squaxdra, it has certain talents in all the best teams in Europe ready to return home, i believe that Nico Paz is a deadly graft in the midfield and when he returns the music will change.

Nico Paz indeed has good quality, but there is no guarantee that he can revive Real Madrid's midfield left by Modric and Kroos; in fact, I think it would put a heavy burden on a young player like Nico Paz.
However, I also have great confidence in Real Madrid's management, they can always build a team with good regeneration. Now we just have to wait and see.

[Minor Miner]

I understand Benfica is not a small team and I am not even going to take them to be any of those teams they can mess with, but this is real madrid we are talking, they are not a team Benfica should normally have this walkover them unless they lack form which is the real case scenario. You can't get a 4 goals trash on Madrid so easily, at least they should have work harder and all you have is Mbappe's two goals which could have been better with more goals to fill up the goal gaps existing in between the two teams. This Real Madrid case is what many fans and analysts and commentators will be talking about till the next couple of weeks because of their bad decisions.

Madrid lost, but the more important thing is that Madrid did not play well in this match. Even though Benfica is a strong team, Madrid should have tried to control the match. Dominate the match. Because Madrid is fighting for the champions league title. If they continue with such irregular and weak performance, they will undoubtedly  fall behind in the title race.

Madrid management should find an experienced manager very quickly. Otherwise, Madrid's performance will become more irregular in the future. Arbeloa has very little experience. It is very  difficult for him to manage a squad like Madrid.

[Uhde]

Even though Real Madrid had two guys sent off on the last play, they only had 5 players in the box during the set piece while Benfica had double that. Three Real players were just hanging out up front. Like, what was the point? It wasn't even for a counter attack. why are you waiting up there on the last play? Even the keeper moved up and you're still standing there.

That's why Mourinho is nicknamed the "special one" because he knows what to do when they have a man advantage. Especially since it was the final minutes he ordered the goalkeeper to step up to score. Mourinho knew that Real Madrid even though they were behind would still attack even though they were short of men due to the red card.

Furthermore, Benfica needed one more goal to secure an aggregate lead a goal difference with the team below them to advance. Because of their goal difference if they didn't score Marseille would advance. Therefore, they needed one goal to overtake Marseille and advance to the play-off round. So it's no wonder Mourinho was so determined to order the goalkeeper to step up and it worked.

True... Mourinho has pulled off something truly incredible. You can question his character all you want but his aura is undeniable. the man is the ultimate tournament coach. He’s now on a 4 match unbeaten streak with Benfica in the Champions League. In this latest match against Real Madrid, his team played unbelievable football they didn't just win, they completely played Madrid off the park.

[Hanadawa]

While Paz is performing incredibly in the Serie A it is really inevitable for him to return to Real Madrid. They will even be able to get him for even a funny amount like 9 million euros.  
Thanks to a buy-back clause of course otherwise his market value is 65 million now. I can imagine the disappointment in Como after that.
When Paz returns he will need to fight hard for his place. There are many star midfielders at Real Madrid.

Florentino Perez is a master negotiator. I think because he's a successful businessman, he has the ability to spot opportunities. Perez was able to get Mbappé for free. He also included a release clause for Nico Paz. Initially, I thought, if I were Como management, I would have rejected the clause because it would have the potential to harm the team. But then I think there was something we didn't know about the clause, which led Como management to agree and sign the contract. It's possible Perez said that if Como didn't agree, he would loan Nico Paz to another club. Now, Nico Paz is a key player in Como's success. And of course, losing Paz would be a major problem if Como wants to maintain consistency and play at the top level.

[bitLeap]

Hopefully, Real Madrid poor Champions League experience against Benfica won't affect their performance in La Liga against Rayo Vallecano. But if the mental state and confidence of the players are currently in a slump.

On the other hand, Barcelona are more confident to get the full three points. In this case the pressure is on Madrid and failure to take the full three points could be fatal.

I think the whistling from Madrid fans at the Bernabéu will be a repeat of what happened some time ago.

[$weetne$$]

>>snip<<

Haaland is the kind of striker who needs a good midfield that supplies him with balls. Also, ball possession is very important, and this is why he has performed so well in Manchester City in some seasons. Without that, the team starts to appear like they are one man short.

If you know Real Madrid's style of play, ball possession is mostly not part of it. Haaland may not be a perfect choice for Real Madrid for that matter.

This is one very good  point I can and will agree to any day anytime, Haaland is a wonderful striker and that is very clear, no player or persons is an island so they somehow will need some form of support. I remember when the likes of Kevin De Bryune was in Manchester City, we could see the brilliance in Haaland's performance literally almost every game but after his exit, it has been different.  If Madrid wants Haaland, they should be sure to have a good midfielder and one who will supply him as much as possible if they want the best fromhim.