Episode Details

Real Madrid opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over Inter Milan, but the scoreline hid a much shakier performance.

Siddharth Ramsundar and Loconte break down José Mourinho’s decision to use Trent Alexander-Arnold in the double pivot, Madrid’s lack of control, the late substitutions, and another huge night from Thibaut Courtois. They also discuss Jude Bellingham’s workload, Vinícius Jr.’s defensive effort, Kylian Mbappé’s uneven performance, Brahim Díaz holding the attack together, and what Jan Diomande needs from this team.

Madrid got the result. The bigger question is whether this style can hold up across a full season, especially when Courtois is being asked to make this many saves.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro
01:16 Trent Alexander-Arnold in the double pivot
03:10 Madrid’s press and lack of possession
06:27 Are Madrid becoming a one-half team?
08:50 Mourinho waited too long to make changes
10:24 Jude Bellingham’s workload and finishing
13:08 Mbappé, Vinícius and the attacking decisions
14:54 How Inter changed where they attacked Madrid
16:05 Courtois saves Madrid again
18:09 Brahim Díaz’s huge performance
21:47 Valverde’s revealing comments about control
23:43 Mourinho’s pressing plan and postgame comments
26:54 Vinícius is “not Vinícius yet”
31:04 Is Mourinho running Jude into the ground?
34:58 The Thibaut Courtois GOAT debate
39:35 Why failed dribbles hurt Madrid more than bad shots
41:53 Brahim, Diomande and Madrid’s lack of combinations
44:33 Midfield options, Curtis Jones and the passing numbers
48:41 Mourinho admits Trent is not a midfielder
49:53 Mourinho says he wants total control
54:41 Tchouaméni, Arda Güler and what comes next
59:29 Final thoughts and wrap-up