Real Madrid News
Real Madrid sit rock bottom in La Liga for three key stats under Mourinho
Real Madrid’s physical numbers in La Liga have raised eyebrows, but the most revealing statistic is not their total distance covered. Rather, it is the amount of high-intensity running they are producing.
According to MARCA, Mourinho’s side are bottom of La Liga for total distance, high-intensity distance and the number of high-intensity actions.
Yet their sprinting numbers tell a slightly different story, suggesting the issue is more about sustained intensity than an inability to accelerate.
Real Madrid are bottom in three physical categories
Real Madrid average 104.3 kilometres per match, the lowest figure among the 20 teams in La Liga, which is significantly different from the 84km figure that has circulated elsewhere.
Total distance includes everything from walking and jogging to recovery runs and pressing movements, meaning the raw number does not tell the complete story.
The more telling figures come at higher speeds. Madrid average 4,975.5 metres of high-intensity running per game, with 338.5 actions recorded at that pace. Surprisingly, both figures are also the lowest in the division.
High-intensity running is measured between 19.8 and 25.2 km/h, while sprints are recorded at speeds above 25.2 km/h.
A fitness coach from a top-flight team explained the significance of Madrid’s overall, saying: “It’s very rare for an entire team to cover a distance of less than 100 km in a match.”
Barcelona show why distance alone does not tell the story
The sprint data provides an important qualification. Real Madrid cover 2,248 metres per match at sprinting speed, placing them 11th in La Liga and close to the competition average.
To understand it better, one must note that the gap is not primarily about maximum-speed running; it is the volume of work performed at high intensity, a phase often associated with pressing, recovery runs and movement away from the ball.
On that note, Barcelona provide an interesting comparison, as Hansi Flick’s side cover 108.6km per match, yet that only ranks 16th in La Liga for total distance.
In other words, Barcelona are also not among the league’s biggest runners by overall mileage. Their difference comes from how that running is distributed across the match.
For Real Madrid, that makes the numbers particularly relevant to Mourinho’s tactical approach.
Their sprint output is relatively normal, but the lack of high-intensity volume is where they stand apart from the rest of La Liga.
Understandably, if Real Madrid are to become more aggressive without the ball, that is the physical area that will need to change.
Real Madrid News
Manchester United launch final push to sign Real Madrid outcast; club resists permanent exit
Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of Endrick as the Brazilian forward’s future at Real Madrid becomes increasingly uncertain, with a potential January loan move emerging as a solution to his lack of regular playing time.
According to Bernabeu Digital, Manchester United are making a final push to convince the 19-year-old to join them.
However, negotiations could prove complicated because the Premier League club is interested in including a purchase option in the deal, while Real Madrid are not currently planning to give up permanent control of the striker.
Endrick’s limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season have opened the door to a temporary departure, with AC Milan and Tottenham also emerging as potential destinations.
Why Manchester United want Endrick?
Manchester United are looking for greater attacking productivity and believe Endrick could provide a different dimension to their forward line.
The Premier League club has also been linked with the Brazilian in the past, as they assess options to improve their goalscoring output after a poor start to the season.
Notably, his situation at Real Madrid makes a move more plausible, as Endrick has struggled to secure consistent minutes, and the club is considering a loan that would give him the chance to play regularly.
However, United’s preferred terms could become the biggest obstacle.
The English side reportedly wants the option to buy Endrick at the end of the loan, potentially giving them a route to a permanent transfer if he impresses.
Real Madrid reject permanent Endrick exit
Real Madrid’s preference is understood to be a straightforward loan without a purchase option.
The club want Endrick to gain experience elsewhere before returning to compete for a place in the squad, rather than risk losing a young forward they have invested in for the future.
His previous loan spell at Lyon provides a possible model for another temporary move, although any agreement would depend on the terms offered and the player’s own preferences.
Manchester United are prepared to make an attractive financial proposal in an effort to secure his arrival, but money alone may not resolve the disagreement if Real Madrid remain unwilling to include a purchase clause.
