Loconte, Jarod Hector and Taalib break down Real Madrid's win over Real Sociedad: Mbappe's performance, Xabi Alonso's lineup and defensive substitutions, the terrible referee showing, and more.

Loconte and Jarod Hector discuss the Real Madrid news of the week, Antonio Rudiger's injury, major concerns after the international break, and what to expect from Xabi Alonso's boys tactically, physically and mentally going forward.

During this international break we bring to you a special throwback edition of the Real Deal. This was Jarod Hector and Siddharth's first episode recording together on the Real Deal on May 21st, 2024, back before the show was a completely independent podcast.

We dove deep into Kroos’ immense impact on Real Madrid and the German National Team’s tactical identity, as he brought control to teams that traditionally preferred more heavy-metal, transition-focused approaches to the game. Jarod helps us contrast Kroos and Luka Modric with their predecessors, Mesut Özil and Xabi Alonso. We also explore how Florentino Pérez’s crucial improvements as club president during the Kroos era laid the foundation for an unprecedented period of success.From the historic threepeat to Kroos’ ability to carry the team in the post-Ronaldo seasons, we leave no stone unturned in our analysis of his legacy. We focus on Kroos’ unique ability to control the game and process information on the pitch relative to other greats like Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Thiago, as well as how his unprecedented longevity puts him above most at the position.

Included:

- How Kroos shifted Real Madrid’s tactical identity after Mourinho

- Kroos, Guardiola and Germany’s shifting identity

- Contrasting Ozil and Xabi Alonso with Kroos and Modric- Makelele, Tchouameni, and Florentino’s crucial improvements as club president during the Kroos era

- Kroos’ impact on Real Madrid’s tactics in 2014-15

- The threepeat years and switching play

- Kroos carrying during the post-Ronaldo seasons under Zidane

- The de and re-optimization of Kroos under Carlo Ancelotti

- Kroos’ hall of fame controlling & cognitive processing skills

- Best controlling midfielders of the 21st centurySubjective time and cognitive processing speeds

The conversation then ends by touching on the 2024 NBA playoffs (a hot topic at the time) and the rise of Luka Doncic, as we explore the fascinating concept subjective time and cognitive processing speeds in sports.

Jarod Hector, Loconte, and Taalib break down Madrid's 2-1 win over Mallorca ahead of the international break.

Amidst Nico Paz cooking for Cesc Fabregas' Como and the news about Tottenham's bid for him, Loconte and Jarod Hector discuss what they like from him at Como, and what they expect the club to do with him going forward.

Loconte & Jarod Hector and a new guest are back to break down Xabi Alonso's tactics and Real Madrid's win over Oviedo in La Liga.

Jarod Hector and Loconte discuss major talking points around Real Madrid this week, including Xabi Alonso's defensive approach in his first game in charge, attacking dynamics, the importance of the international break for Real Madrid's health, and more.

Loconte and Siddharth review Real Madrid's win over Osasuna. We discuss Xabi Alonso's new system, Mbappe's dribbling, Rodrygo's absence, Franco off the bench, and more.

Loconte, Jarod and Siddharth are here to discuss expectations for Real Madrid 2025/26. Which injuries are the biggest bottlenecks? Will Mbappe and Vinicius coexist? What if Militao or Gonzalo Garcia get hurt? How will Xabi Alonso approach big games? What trophies can we win?

Loconte is joined by Cerebrone to discuss Eduardo Camavinga: his time in Ligue 1, his career trajectory, and his injury issues at Real Madrid. What will his future at Real Madrid look like? Will he ever get to the point of being a starter? Does Real Madrid now need more midfield depth given his injuries?