Rodri sets the pace and fuels Madrid’s criticism

Rodri has become the main point of tension between Real Madrid and Barcelona. According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid’s early season has brought plenty of doubts after seven matchdays, with the club already six points behind FC Barcelona, while the Blaugrana are being praised for their football and big wins. Within the debate, what hurts most in Madrid is that the player they wanted as a game organiser ended up in blue and red.

The transfer that didn’t happen

The piece recalls that, after two years without a clear playmaking midfielder in Madrid—first due to Toni Kroos retiring in summer 2024, then after Luka Modrić left for AC Milan in 2025—there was almost unanimity among Madrid fans about the target: Rodri. Mundo Deportivo adds that Florentino Pérez agreed to try to sign him. Mourinho also tried to convince him with his project, but once Barcelona moved in, Rodri chose the club in Catalonia.

The article says Rodri, in a recent interview with MD, explained that he called Madrid’s coach to thank him for the interest and to tell him his decision was Barça.

The plan B that doesn’t solve it

After that setback, Mundo Deportivo argues Real Madrid leaned on Bernardo Silva as the solution, even though the Portuguese isn’t a traditional playmaking organiser. It also notes a similar problem with Arda Güler.

As for results away from home, the report highlights a mixed run: they lost to Betis and Atlético, and won the other two on stoppage time against Espanyol and Elche.

Rodri is already thriving at Barça

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s side is seeing an immediate impact. Mundo Deportivo says Rodri has quickly become the team’s “compass” alongside Pedri. His role, according to the paper, ranges from helping in build-up to offering options under pressure, and even dropping back to prevent clear chances, as he did recently at the Sánchez Pizjuán. The outlet claims that in just six matches he has already set the tone for Hansi Flick’s Barça.

Mundo Deportivo concludes that Madrid regrets missing out on Rodri, while in Barcelona his arrival is being celebrated for the immediate effect he’s having.