Spanish record champions Real Madrid frequently stir controversy both on and off the pitch. Football icon Lothar Matthäus is not a fan of their recent conduct, offering sharp criticism before the Champions League clash between his former club, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid.
In a television interview, the former World Player of the Year minced no words regarding Real’s star, Vinicius Junior, and his on-field demeanor, as well as the club’s overall behavior in recent times. «Vinicius is undoubtedly a great player, but he provokes relentlessly,» Matthäus began. He elaborated: «When he’s properly challenged on the pitch, he immediately complains and whines. It’s somewhat typical of that style.»
Real’s boycott of the 2024 Ballon d’Or gala was also deemed unacceptable by the 65-year-old. «Rodri became World Player of the Year, and Real then declared: ‘This is unfair; one of ours should have won.’ So, we boycott. That’s simply not done. Out of respect for opponents, other teams, and players – that’s not appropriate behavior. The press also viewed it negatively, and in doing so, a club with a glorious history and immense achievements somehow loses prestige.»
Matthäus concluded: «I simply don’t approve of how Real Madrid has conducted itself in recent years.»
Markus Babbel: Real Madrid is «One of Europe’s Most Unsympathetic Clubs»
Similar criticism was voiced on Sunday by Markus Babbel, a former teammate of Matthäus at FC Bayern. On a talk show, Babbel stated: «Real is one of Europe’s most unsympathetic clubs, and it would be fantastic if Bayern advanced.» This statement was met with significant applause from the audience. The aforementioned 2024 Ballon d’Or incident was also discussed during the program.
Bayern and Real are set to face off on Tuesday evening in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Bernabéu, with the return leg eight days later at the Allianz Arena. Matthäus views the in-form FC Bayern as favorites in this tie: «I see certain weaknesses in Real that I didn’t observe in the truly great Real Madrid of the past. The coaching changes also indicate this. It leaves its mark.»
He added: «There’s a lot of discussion around Vinicius – not just about his sporting performance. Many other aspects surrounding Real I consider a significant advantage for FC Bayern.»
FC Bayern Contracts Expiring in 2026
| Player | Position | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Manuel Neuer | Goalkeeper | 40 |
| Sven Ulreich | Goalkeeper | 37 |
| Raphael Guerreiro | Defence | 32 |
| Leon Goretzka | Midfield | 31 |