- Blancos crashed out of Champions League
- Fighting to defend La Liga title
- Players accused of focusing on themselves
Getty/GOALBoos for Kylian Mbappe but he isn’t Real Madrid’s ‘biggest problem’ as Jude Bellingham ‘isn’t the same player’ & too many players ‘want to win the Ballon d’Or’
Ultimate Sports Bundle
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
Monthly from$32.99
Cable Replacement
DirecTV
✅ Carries local ABC stations and the main ESPN linear networks for marquee, nationally televised LaLiga fixtures without requiring an antenna.
✅ Offers ESPN Deportes either via the dedicated Spanish-first tiers (such as Óptimo Más) or as an add-on, giving you live TV commentary and dedicated studio coverage.
✅ Includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage and allows simultaneous streaming on unlimited compatible devices connected to your home network.
Monthly from$74.99
Total Coverage
ESPN+
✅ Streams all 380 LaLiga fixtures throughout the season in both English and Spanish, including every El Clásico fixture.
✅ Provides full match replays, extended highlights, and Spanish football studio shows (such as LaLiga Confidential and ESPN FC) accessible whenever you want.
✅ Bundles Spanish top-flight football alongside extensive European and domestic action, including the German Bundesliga, Copa del Rey, and FA Cup.
Monthly from$11.99
Ultimate Sports Bundle
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
Monthly from$32.99
Cable Replacement
DirecTV
✅ Carries local ABC stations and the main ESPN linear networks for marquee, nationally televised LaLiga fixtures without requiring an antenna.
✅ Offers ESPN Deportes either via the dedicated Spanish-first tiers (such as Óptimo Más) or as an add-on, giving you live TV commentary and dedicated studio coverage.
✅ Includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage and allows simultaneous streaming on unlimited compatible devices connected to your home network.
Monthly from$74.99
Total Coverage
ESPN+
✅ Streams all 380 LaLiga fixtures throughout the season in both English and Spanish, including every El Clásico fixture.
✅ Provides full match replays, extended highlights, and Spanish football studio shows (such as LaLiga Confidential and ESPN FC) accessible whenever you want.
✅ Bundles Spanish top-flight football alongside extensive European and domestic action, including the German Bundesliga, Copa del Rey, and FA Cup.
Monthly from$11.99
Ultimate Sports Bundle
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
Monthly from$32.99
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Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The Frenchman has faced questions throughout his debut campaign in Spain, despite hitting 34 goals, with club president Florentino Perez considered to be overly concerned with signing so-called 'names' rather than assembling a fully functioning squad.
AFPWHAT EMMANUEL PETIT SAID
“Toni Kroos retired and Luka Modric turned 39, those guys controlled the midfield for years and made them unbeatable. They were amazing players and it’s like Real Madrid didn’t realise it or plan for the future without them.
“Kylian Mbappe is being booed after they lost in the Champions League and I’ve been one of the only people to defend him. He is being killed. You can't have the best strikers in the world and not provide him a midfield to create chances, there is no control of the game, no rhythm.
“Perez was obsessed with Kylian Mbappe for three seasons and all of a sudden his dream came true, but he didn’t see what was happening in midfield, with Kroos and Modric. Vinicius Junior isn’t the same player as last season, Jude Bellingham isn’t the same player, Rodrygo is the same, and the midfield isn’t there behind them.
“You also see Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger falling out in training, the atmosphere isn’t good, and the dressing room isn’t good. This team looks to have too many egos and too many players who want to win the Ballon d’Or. Madrid has been the biggest club in the world because of the individual, but most importantly, because of the team. That’s not there right now.”
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