Valdano: “Real Madrid is a club that has historically defied logic - that has created unwavering faith”

The atmosphere around Real Madrid right now isn’t exactly serene. There is a feeling of anxiety about where the team is heading - even though they’re still competing for three trophies: LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League.

Those concerns might be alleviated by a positive result against Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday — a defeat however, could plunge Ancelotti’s team to new depths.

Keen to avoid such extremes, there’s no better voice than Jorge Valdano. Not one to make predictions, especially in today’s labyrinthine soccer calendar, there’s one thing he’s certain of: “Real Madrid defies logic, and that creates a somewhat irrational sense of faith.” Valdano shared this observation during an interview with AS, just hours before his talk at the International Festival of Ideas (FID) in Segovia.

There’s a widespread—and sometimes precarious—confidence in Real Madrid’s ability to thrive under pressure. Even Guti admitted before their recent La Liga stumble, “Real Madrid is playing with fire.” As Valdano elaborated, this belief isn’t grounded in solid reasoning. “It’s the past that has created the myth, the legend.” Speaking later at Teatro Juan Bravo, Valdano emphasized, “Soccer is a state of mind.”

Currently, Real Madrid’s isn’t in the best place, but moods can shift quickly. For Valdano, the key to their upcoming challenge? “It’ll be a very balanced tie. But, hey, it’s the Champions League, and it’s Real Madrid.”

How do you see Real Madrid’s matchup against Arsenal?

“It’ll be very balanced. Real Madrid’s attack is stronger, while Arsenal is a very methodical, well-organized, and solid team. But, hey, it’s the Champions League, and it’s Real Madrid...”

Looking further ahead, we have the Copa del Rey final - another Clásico. It feels like Barça have figured out how to handle Real Madrid. There’s a sense they feel comfortable playing against Madrid...

“That perception comes from recent results. There were two games with decisive outcomes, and those fuel opinions when it comes to predictions. But nobody is thrilled about facing Real Madrid—especially in a final. There are still three weeks to go, and we’re in an era of soccer where making predictions three weeks in advance is nearly impossible.”

How do you think this Real Madrid team can hurt Barcelona?

“It’s very difficult to take control of the ball from Barcelona. They have an extremely technical midfield, with a high number of touches, and they end up dominating possession. But Real Madrid’s firepower is unmatched. Absolutely unmatched. And that’s what allows them to win games they don’t dominate. The outcome is uncertain.”

This Madrid team have constantly shown they are capable of winning matches they don’t deserve to win. That’s a difficult concept to get your head around...

“I wouldn’t call Madrid just a team. It’s a club that has historically defied logic. And that creates in people a somewhat irrational sense of faith, because it isn’t built on solid arguments. But yes, it’s the history that has created the myth, the legend.”

You mentioned, before Mbappé’s decisive moment at San Mamés, that the French striker is the least of Real Madrid’s concerns. You weren’t wrong.

“It’s one of the predictions I’m least proud of... Betting on the best player in the world was the easiest call to make. The ones who need to explain themselves are those who doubted him. We’re talking about extraordinary talent, and that’s never something to doubt.”

Where do you think Mbappé is most dangerous? Leading the attack, as we’ve been seeing, or cutting in from the left wing?

“Coming in from the left, he has the goal in front of him. Playing as a central striker, he has it behind him—that’s the first clue. But he’ll make things happen no matter where you put him. Great talents adapt to any situation. He started as a winger, then became a forward, later a false nine, and now he’s a strategist. When a player has soccer in their head, they’ll show their genius wherever you place them.”

From one genius to another. Vinicius is not in top goal-scoring form at the moment, although he’s been decisive with his assists, like in the game against Real Sociedad. Do you think he gets too much criticism, perhaps because of his personality?

“Criticism is rarely fair in soccer. He’s an extraordinary creator of danger—maybe the best in the world. Whether he’s assisting, scoring, or simply giving you the sense that anything could happen at any moment, he’s always a threat. On top of that, his story is one of remarkable perseverance. The transformation he’s undergone since arriving at Real Madrid is something we’ve rarely seen in the sport’s history. Soccer can teach you many things, but learning how to score is one of the hardest—and Vinicius mastered it.

He has another incredible quality: exceptional physicality. In the 118th minute of extra time, he can sprint 40 meters and leave everyone in his dust. He’s a phenomenon. A titan."

To finish, let’s talk a little about Asencio. What does it take to break through the glass ceiling like the center-back has managed to do?

“Real Madrid is an incredibly demanding club. It requires results every single match. For anyone coming up from the academy, they have to seize the opportunity they’re given—because there won’t be another. That’s what Asencio did so well. He hasn’t made a single mistake since he first wore the first-team jersey.

It’s also worth noting his physical presence has been exceptional, and his confidence has been extraordinary. He brought both of those qualities with him from Castilla."

He’s performed against the top teams in the world. At Anfield, against Haaland…

“Yes. And he’s incredibly quick to make adjustments. He’s highly focused and understood from the very beginning where he was. At Castilla, he might have been able to afford a distraction or two, but here he knew he had to be fully aware—six senses, because five just wouldn’t cut it.”

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