Real Madrid ‘tearing their hair out’ as Rodri becomes key Barcelona figure – report

Real Madrid ‘tearing their hair out’ as Rodri becomes key Barcelona figure – report Real Madrid’s decision to let Rodri slip away is becoming difficult to stomach in the Spanish capital, with the midfielder already proving why Barcelona were so determined to bring him to Catalonia. Mundo Deportivo reports that Madrid are “tearing their hair out” over their failure to convince the Spain international, while Barcelona fans are enjoying the arrival of a player who has now established himself as one of Hansi Flick’s most important pieces. Seven La Liga games into the season, the contrast could hardly be clearer .  Barça sit six points ahead of Real Madrid and have produced the kind of attacking football that has earned widespread praise, while Mourinho’s side continue to face questions over their performances. Rodri already looks at home in Barcelona The biggest encouragement for Barcelona is that Rodri has needed very little time to settle. Rodri chose Barcelona over Real Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The midfielder arrived with a huge reputation following his Manchester City spell, and his early performances have shown that his value extends well beyond controlling possession. Rodri has become the link between Barcelona’s defence and midfield, offering himself as an outlet when opponents press and helping the centre-backs start attacks.  He can also drop deeper when Barça need greater defensive protection, as demonstrated during the recent victory at Sevilla . Alongside Pedri, he has given Flick a midfield pairing capable of controlling games while allowing the players ahead of them greater freedom. His adaptation away from the pitch has been just as smooth because Rodri already knew many members of the Spanish national team. Barcelona got the midfielder Real Madrid needed Real Madrid are regretting not making an effort to sign Rodri. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The irony is hard to ignore: Real Madrid spent two seasons without a natural successor to Toni Kroos after the German’s retirement in 2024, and Luka Modric subsequently departed. Rodri was widely viewed by Madrid fans as the ideal answer. In fact, Mourinho also tried to convince him to choose the Bernabeu, but Rodri ultimately decided that Barcelona was the right destination. Notably, the midfielder personally contacted Mourinho after making his decision to thank him for the interest and explain that he had chosen Barça. Madrid then moved towards Bernardo Silva rather than finding a direct replacement for the playmaking qualities they had lost. Barcelona, meanwhile, got the player they wanted most, making his excellent start particularly satisfying.