What next for Real Madrid after Barcelona’s La Liga and Clasico triumph?

Author: Kevin Hand\
Published on: 11/05/2026 | 00:00:00

AI Summary:\
Real Madrid lost 2-0 at Camp Nou to Barcelona, who defended the Spanish title. The defeat means Real will finish second this season, not an unusual circumstance in a two-horse race in La Liga and Champions League. Kylian Mbappe signed from Paris Saint-Germain two seasons ago. Real had just completed the league and European double under Carlo Ancelotti. MbAppe's arrival broke up the 4-3-3 formation that had served Real so well for so long. Alvaro Arbeloa was given the task of guiding the seemingly rudderless ship to the end of the season as interim head coach. Mbappe’s troubles were only just beginning, though. Vinicius Jr broke his unwanted streak in the 3-2 Spanish Super Cup final defeat by Barcelona. Real were the first to be linked with a move for the versatile forward. Is Jose Mourinho’s return the answer for Real? Cometh the hour, cometh the man? Jurgen Klopp is renowned in his title-winning spells, both domestic and European, with Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool. It could be the antidote for the current malaise, a cathartic approach that contrasts with the momentum building behind Mourinho’s latest comeback. At 38 years old, it may be seen as a risk – not dissimilar to the 44-year-old Alonso – but a three-year stay with Bayern Munich prior to taking on the German Deschamps has limited experience as a club manager despite his 57 years. The task of leading one of the most successful clubs in football is becoming unenviable. But the rebuild begins now, and the rise will start out of the ashes of the crash and burn that culminated in Sunday’s defeat, deep in enemy territory.


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