Quote from Alex bobby on May 11, 2025, 8:34 AM

Real Madrid at a Crossroads: Sunday's Clasico Must Be About More Than Just Points

As Real Madrid head into Sunday’s highly anticipated Clasico against Barcelona, the stakes are far higher than a single match or even a La Liga title. Yes, the title is mathematically still in reach, but for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, this game represents something deeper: a chance to rebuild their credibility, their culture, and their character. In a season overshadowed by controversies, protests, and public outbursts, Real Madrid find themselves not just fighting for silverware, but for their soul.

The timing couldn’t be more symbolic. The news that Xabi Alonso—one of Real’s most respected alumni—is set to leave Bayer Leverkusen has only intensified speculation. With his reputation for discipline and vision, Alonso is widely expected to return to the Spanish capital, possibly to replace Ancelotti. If he does, he will be inheriting a team that, while still talented, seems emotionally brittle and ethically adrift.

A Season of Spectacle and Scandal

It’s hard to talk about Real Madrid’s 2024/25 campaign without addressing the many moments that have undermined the club's standing as the pinnacle of professionalism and excellence. Once admired for their relentless pursuit of Champions League titles—14 and counting—the club has become just as well known this season for its public meltdowns and bitter confrontations.

Things began to unravel publicly during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October. When Manchester City’s Rodri was awarded the top prize, Real Madrid boycotted the event, furious that Vinicius Junior had not won. Despite being named Men’s Club of the Year, no representatives from the club attended. It was an act of protest that reeked more of entitlement than of pride.

By February, things had escalated further. Following a narrow 1–0 loss to Espanyol, the club issued an official statement accusing Spanish referees of manipulating the outcome of matches. Their TV channel even aired footage questioning the integrity of specific referees, sparking widespread backlash. Most notably, referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears before the Copa del Rey final, citing pressure and harassment stemming from these attacks.

When Protest Becomes Performance

Barcelona may have won that King’s Cup final, but Real Madrid stole the headlines for all the wrong reasons. From aggressive protests to players berating officials on the pitch, the club’s meltdown was as visible as it was concerning. Antonio Rudiger’s six-match ban for throwing ice at the referee was just the tip of the iceberg. And while emotions run high in Clasico matches, the sheer level of Real’s breakdown pointed to something deeper—a culture problem.

In an era when football is consumed by millions, when young children emulate their heroes and grassroots leagues mirror professional conduct, these displays of poor sportsmanship send dangerous signals. The image of referees being abused or players refusing to accept defeat doesn’t stay confined to La Liga—it trickles down to local pitches, weekend leagues, and youth tournaments.

The Responsibility of Giants

Florentino Pérez and Real Madrid aren’t just managing a football team—they are custodians of a global legacy. The club’s behaviour this season, however, often feels more like brinkmanship than leadership. Every time a referee is attacked or a decision is questioned with hostility, the club chips away at the core values that once made it respected worldwide.

What happened to dignity in defeat? What happened to respect for officials, for opponents, for the game itself?

Of course, criticism of referees isn’t new, and mistakes are part of any sport. But there’s a fine line between legitimate frustration and toxic outrage—and Real Madrid have crossed that line too many times this season. While other teams face similar challenges, few have responded with such public aggression and defensiveness.

Beyond the Scoreline

As a former professional footballer, now playing and coaching in the French lower divisions, I’ve seen firsthand the impact these examples have on the wider football community. Respect, humility, and commitment are not just catchphrases for training sessions—they are the essence of the sport. When one of the world's biggest clubs repeatedly violates those principles, it sends a ripple effect that distorts the very culture of the game.

Sunday’s Clasico offers an opportunity—perhaps one of the last this season—for Real Madrid to rewrite the narrative. Winning would be important, yes, but far more vital is how they choose to conduct themselves: on the field, in the tunnel, in the press room. Can they show resilience without rage? Can they embrace discipline without defensiveness?

A Call for Renewal

Football needs its giants to be better. It needs Real Madrid to lead—not just in trophies, but in example. The beautiful game is a global mirror, reflecting the values we choose to uphold. If respect erodes at the top, it will vanish at the grassroots.

Let Sunday’s Clasico be more than a battle for three points. Let it be the start of a long-overdue reset. For the sake of the fans, the players, and the game we all love.

Conclusion

As Real Madrid prepare to face Barcelona in a decisive Clasico, the match symbolises far more than a title chase—it’s a defining moment for the club’s identity. With reputations frayed and integrity questioned, Madrid must now choose the path forward: continue down a road of protest and controversy, or restore the dignity, respect, and excellence that once made them the world’s most admired football institution. Sunday is not just about winning—it’s about proving they still deserve to lead the game, not just in silverware, but in spirit.