Jarod Hector and Siddharth Ramsundar lay out the click-baity sports media landscape and explain why Real Madrid coverage needs a different approach.
We talk about why Real Madrid attracts distorted narratives, how PR and media incentives shape what fans see, and why emotion matters but cannot be the endpoint. From tactics and data to power dynamics, language barriers, and institutional decision-making, the goal is to understand what actually happens at the club and why.
We discuss Real Madrid as a global institution, the tension between art and structure on the pitch, how modern football is evolving, and why patience, context, and historical perspective are missing from most coverage which devolve into postgame rants or hot-take shows.
This episode serves as a foundation for what The Real Deal aims to be going forward: cinema for Real Madrid fans, grounded in reality and slicing through the noise.
Jarod and Sid react to Real Madrid's last game of the calendar year. We discuss the "blame scale" between Xabi Alonso, Kylian Mbappe and Florentino Perez for how Real Madrid's season has unfolded, and discuss expectations for the team going forward.
Sid reacts to the Marca report about Real Madrid's medical situation, confirming many suspicions we had on the podcast about the incompetence of the injury prevention crew. Florentino Perez has dropped the ball. Sid explains with firsthand experience why this is causing issues at the club, and why someone like Itziar Gonzalez is crucial to any successful organization.
Sid breaks down the Copa Del Rey win in Real Madrid's penultimate fixture of the calendar year. Dean Huijsen, Endrick, Mbappe, the new right back Jimenez, and more.
Sid and Jarod react to Xabi Alonso's men winning at Alaves. Vinicius, Jude, Mbappe, Rodrygo, Valdepenas' debut and more.
Sid and Jarod Hector discuss the loss to Manchester City. Is Xabi Alonso done at Real Madrid? We react to Endrick finally getting game time, Gonzalo Garcia, the lack of press resistance in the team outside Carreras, Vinicius up front, Rodrygo's goal and more.
Jarod and Sid discuss the disappointing loss to Celta, Vini/Mbappe on defense, Tchouameni's lapse, Alonso's tactics and more.
Jarod Hector and Sid discuss how the death of monoculture and pressure on corporations to grow profits has led to "crossover" style sports events related to America, a place where the game is not a traditional stronghold. We discuss the NFL at the Bernabeu, Ronaldo at the White House, Messi in the MLS, and how it all relates to new methods of audience capture. The Beautiful Game is embracing modern marketing
Jarod Hector and Sid discuss Xabi Alonso's tactics, Florentino Perez and the dressing room, Arda Guler, Vinicius and more.
Loconte and Taalib break discuss the disappointing draw to Rayo, Alonso's lack of successful adjustments off the bench, the team's struggles in buildup play and more.
Loconte and Jarod Hector preview the Rayo Vallecano game with keys for Xabi Alonso's side and things to watch out for.
Loconte and Sid breakdown Real Madrid's defeat at Anfield.
Loconte and Jarod Hector discuss the Vinicius situation, evolving dynamics at Real Madrid with Mbappe's arrival and changes to the team's playing style from the Carlo Ancelotti days, Vinicius' career trajectory and desire for the Ballon d'Or and more.
Jarod Hector, Loconte and Taalib break down the win over Valencia, Real Madrid's goals, Mbappe, Bellingham, Vinicius, Endrick and more.
Jarod Hector and Loconte discuss the Real Madrid news of the week and take mailbag questions.
Loconte and Cerebrone preview Real Madrid v Valencia: what to expect from Valencia, Mbappe, Xabi Alonso's tactics and more.
Josh Williams (as seen on Anfield Wrap, LFC TV et al) joins Siddharth Ramsundar to discuss Liverpool v Real Madrid from a tactical perspective. What went wrong with Liverpool's rebuild after signing Wirtz, Isak, Kerkez and Frimpong? Was the 'galactico' approach from Michael Edwards, RIchard Hughes and FSG a bad fit for Liverpool? How much do Liverpool miss Trent and what about his shy start to life at Real Madrid? How has Xabi Alonso used Trent?
Jarod Hector joins Siddharth to discuss VInicius' apologies and the contract situation. Can he and Xabi Alonso coexist?
Loconte and Jarod Hector discuss the tactical keys to Xabi Alonso overhauling Real Madrid so quickly without a preseason. After an El Clasico that was in complete contrast to the Atletico Madrid and PSG games earlier in the year, Alonso has clearly implemented many new wrinkles that are starting to come off.
Loconte, Jarod Hector and Sid break down Real Madrid's win over Barcelona. Xabi Alonso's tactical masterclass, Bellingham's role, Carreras locking up Yamal, and the mid block and high press, and more.