Post Match Edition of the Daily Merengue
The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to d all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Kung_Fu_Zizou
Real Madrid put in a pitiful display against a Sevilla who suffered 2 red cards. Kylian Mbappé continued to be the shining light in a disjointed and cumbersome ensemble which seemed to reiterate just how poorly coached Los Blancos have been this season.
Kylian Mbappé chasing the golden boot managed to get his goal with a neat effort from outside the box before Bellingham scored 9th of the season following a neat combination from the Canteranos, Munoz and Gonzalo.
Old Man Luka Making the Numbers
Luka Modrić vs Sevilla:
• 90 minutes
• 1 assist
• 112 touches (most)
• 93/102 passes completed (most)
• 91% pass accuracy
• 6 key passes (most)
• 1 big chance created
• 4/5 long balls (most)
• 2/3 duels won
• 100% dribbles completed
• 1 tackle
• 2… pic.twitter.com/CeRKzLfvZG— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 18, 2025
The Croatian Maestro looks set to go out on his own terms with support from both the outgoing and the incoming manager. The club would do well to part ways with the great man sooner rather than later. There is no upside to failing to develop the squad by leaning on the dying embers of Luka Modric’s career. He no longer has the energy required and ultimately doesn’t offer much outside of potential remontada games. We do not dominate, we react and chase. Surely this cannot be the perspective of the club when looking at the future of the team.
Xabi and the Quest for a Metronome
Much the same as Zizou sees himself in the likes of Isco other managers have players who represent their idea of football more than others.
Xabi’s desire for Zubimendi or a player who is inclined to make the team play by passing the ball is not only motivated by style but something that’s been missing from Real Madrid this season.
Real Madrid have a lot of midfield talent but none of the players have the profile of being primarily a passer who just keeps the game ticking with his passing.
The idea must be that Xabi should see the squad and evaluate the players first, he will have already seen the players in games or scouting reports. He will have an idea of their shortcomings already.
While Xabi can coach the likes of Tchouaméni, he will prefer a player who already does it naturally because under pressure players revert to the mean. They do what comes naturally.
Kylian The GOAT
Kylian Mbappé is a really special player. He’s in a league of his own and likely to keep smashing records for the foreseeable future. The Frenchman has taken to 2025 in the white shirt like a duck to water. A proper Real Madrid player. Special. Kylian Mbappe is currently the best player in the world and while he’s not been able to win the major trophies this season, he commitment to winning and excellence has been second to none. His quality is undeniable and it is only a matter of time before he wins the Ballon d’Or.
