Real Madrid – 2025/26 Season Preview

Real Madrid enter 2025/26 chasing redemption. After finishing second in La Liga with 84 points, behind Barça’s 88, they remain trophyless domestically. Their goal difference margin (+58) matched their high standards, but inconsistency in Clásicos and a shock exit from the Copa del Rey highlighted tactical stagnation.

Despite scoring 95 league goals, Real failed to convert draws into wins when it mattered most. Their average points per game fell slightly from the previous season. And although their squad remains elite on paper, fans and pundits question the collective drive and balance, especially in midfield and wide areas.

Now under a revamped coaching staff and armed with strategic signings, Madrid looks ready to reset. Their challenge is clear: improve in head-to-head battles, reassert identity, and return to silverware—with risk comes opportunity.

Players In / Players Out

IN

• Dean Huijsen (Centre-back, from Bournemouth) – A promising Dutch defender returning to Spain after a breakout season in the Premier League. He’s expected to compete for starting minutes right away.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold (Right-back, from Liverpool) – A high-profile arrival on a reduced fee as his contract wound down. His delivery and attacking instincts will add width and playmaking from the back.
• Álvaro Carreras (Left-back, from Benfica) – Former academy product re-signed to address depth and future planning at left-back. A technical and dynamic fullback with upside.
• Franco Mastantuono (Attacking midfielder, from River Plate) – One of Argentina’s brightest young talents, officially joins once he turns 18. Seen as a long-term playmaker for the post-Modrić era.
• Rachad Fettal (Striker, from Almería) – A low-risk, high-upside signing to bolster the Castilla side. Could see first-team minutes in Copa del Rey matches.

OUT

• Luka Modrić (Midfielder) – After over a decade of brilliance, the Croatian legend left the club on a free transfer.
• Lucas Vázquez (Right-back) – A long-serving utility player who exits after his contract expired, having filled multiple roles over the past decade.
• Jesús Vallejo (Centre-back) – Departed quietly after a series of loan spells. Never fully established himself in the first team.

Real Madrid’s transfer window reflects a shift in planning: blend long-term talent with surgical upgrades. While they haven’t gone all-out in the market, each move feels intentional—focused on areas of structural need, rather than glamour. The emphasis is clear: younger legs, smarter distribution, and positional depth to push the next generation forward.

Market Approach & Supporter Sentiment

Supported by new sporting director David Aganzo, Real Madrid have pursued measured reinforcements: Garnacho brings youth and directness, while Herrera stabilizes midfield structure. Fans are optimistic about long-term potential but wary overroom setup: heavy spending on 20-somethings and holes yet to fill at center-back and creative midfield.

Pre‑Season Friendlies & Fan Mood

Real’s summer tour featured draws against Lazio (1–1) and Napoli (2–2) and wins over Club América (3–2) and Red Bull Salzburg (4–0). Fans were especially enthused by Garnacho’s debut goal and Eduardo Camavinga’s return to form. However, physical conditioning looked uneven, and injury concerns around Toni Kroos and company drew suspicion. Season ticket demand remains solid, but uncertainty surrounding transfer business delays has dampened a bit of the pre-season buzz.

Season Expectations

Real Madrid aim to reclaim La Liga, return to Champions League glory, and end a recent trophy drought. Under coach Víctor Fernández, the emphasis is on tactical flexibility: Herrera’s defensive cover allows for more attacking freedom from younger profiles like Garnacho and Vinícius Jr. The central question is balance: can Real maintain structure while pushing pace?

Intensity and squad depth are strong, but injuries to veterans like Kroos or Modrić could stretch options thin. Supporter trust depends on consistency in big games. Real can’t repeat last season’s 10 draws if they want to reclaim the top spot.

Betting Angle – bet105 Insights

Real Madrid’s season presents multi-layered betting opportunity for sharp players.

• Win Total Futures (Projected around 85–88 points): Barcelona’s hold makes under interesting—drawing too many matches cost last season, and Real may be priced optimistically before form reveals.
• La Liga Title Market: Madrid are likely chalk favorites again but don’t rule out value if their early matches suggest fatigue or stumbling versus mid-table clubs—look for fade in confidence markets.
• Spread Plays: Real often fail to cover double-digit favorites in away fixtures—especially at Sevilla or Athletic Bilbao. Early-season lines may overshoot.
• Player Props: Garnacho to score first or be anytime goalscorer has value based on pre-season promise. Hazardous Kroos appearance totals could act as risk mitigator—under 19 appearances offers gritty upside if he misses games.
• Live / Second‑Half Plays: Real Madrid generally exert control after halftime once mid-game tweaks kick in. Games close at halftime often swing in their favor—making live moneyline plays post-60 minutes worthwhile.
• First-Team Goals Totals: As Herrera anchors midfield, first-half under or overall totals may compress in early matches. Monitor lineup rotation—fixtures against defensive clubs could stay low-scoring.

Real Madrid remain perennial contenders—but with elevated pressure to deliver trophies and a squad in economic recalibration. For bettors tuning into form cycles, injury updates, and live adjustments, Real’s early-season markets could hide edges. The context and sensitivity to swing in subscription play are key, especially with bet105 where timing and nuance win markets.