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Real Madrid changes its institutional policy and leaves

After losing the derby, Real Madrid tightened its communication strategy and launched a public offensive against media considered hostile, with Juanma Castaño at the center of the controversy.

25 September 2026

Real Madrid changes its institutional policy and leaves for

According to Mundodeportivo.

Why this matters

The recent change in Real Madrid's communication strategy reflects the growing tension between the club and certain media outlets, especially after the defeat in the derby against Atlético de Madrid. The figure of Juanma Castaño, director of ‘El Partidazo’, became central in this controversy, highlighting the club’s frustration with narratives it considers harmful. This tightening of the institutional line could have significant implications for Real Madrid's relationship with the media and public perception in La Liga.

Main conclusions

  • Real Madrid changes its institutional policy and leaves.
  • After losing the derby, Real Madrid tightened its communication strategy and launched a public offensive against media considered hostile, with Juanma Castaño at the center of the controversy.
  • El Madrid changes its institutional policy and launches an attack.

The atmosphere around Real Madrid returned to boiling after the defeat in the Madrid derby against Atlético de Madrid. Far from opting for a discreet stance during the selection break, the Merengues decided to press the accelerator on the communicational level and go on a public offensive against media and voices that they consider hostile to the institution. The epicenter of this change has a name and surname: Juanma Castaño, director of ‘El Partidazo’ at Cadena COPE.

The case escalated in two stages. First, on Tuesday, the club published an official statement censoring a comparison made by Castaño, who equated RMTV with the daily Gara in an opinion article. The journalist would later publicly apologize for the analogy. Then, on Thursday, Real Madrid's digital channels – between

It is not the first time that the merengue leadership, under the presidency of Florentino Pérez, has clashed with certain bodies and professionals. However, this time, the strategy was no longer handled behind the scenes to become fully public and easily accessible to everyone, signaling a clear hardening of the institutional line. The implicit message is unequivocal: the club is tired of certain narratives and comments spread about its current affairs and has decided to put those who report and give opinions on Real Madrid under scrutiny.

This new step comes immediately after a major setback in the team's calendar, a derby that reignited debates about the sporting moment and options at the Santiago Bernabéu. Instead of seeking refuge in the usual restraint during the break, the communications department took the lead and set the agenda, also trying to frame the public discourse around the club.

The reference to Paseo de la Castellana – a metonym for the headquarters and the madridista universe – illustrates the degree of internal turmoil. By choosing to use its official platforms to respond directly to a prime-time journalist, Real Madrid raises the tone of its relationship with the press and imposes a new reality on the media ecosystem that surrounds it. It now remains to be seen whether this turnaround will continue, whether it will be limited to a specific reaction to the context of the derby, and how it will influence the club's media coverage in the coming weeks.

For now, what remains is the observation of a change in posture: from strategic silence to frontal attack. A choice that has an impact not only on the media level, but also on the way fans and observers interpret Real Madrid's moment after the stumble against their city rival.

What happens next

With the public offensive against Juanma Castaño and other critics, Real Madrid will be able to intensify its communication and marketing strategies on social media. The more aggressive approach could lead to an increase in fan support, but it could also generate more controversy. Florentino Pérez, club president, will have to balance defending Real Madrid's image with the need to maintain a constructive dialogue with the media and fans in La Liga.

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Real Madrid recently?

Real Madrid decided to adopt a new institutional policy after the defeat in the Madrid derby against Atlético de Madrid, opting for a public offensive against criticism and voices considered hostile.

Who confirmed the change in Real Madrid policy?

The change was confirmed by the club through an official statement and actions on social media, highlighting the figure of Juanma Castaño as the epicenter of the controversy.

Why did Real Madrid decide to act now?

The decision to intensify public communication and confront criticism comes after a significant setback in the calendar

io of the team, specifically the defeat in the derby.

What changes were implemented in Real Madrid's communication?

The club started to adopt a more aggressive stance, publishing a video on social media that compiles controversies associated with Juanma Castaño and censoring comparisons made by him.

How did Real Madrid management react to previous criticism?

Historically, the leadership under Florentino Pérez has had conflicts with media bodies, but now the response strategy is more public and accessible, signaling a hardening of the institutional line.

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Perguntas frequentes

O que aconteceu com o Real Madrid recentemente?

O Real Madrid decidiu adotar uma nova política institucional após a derrota no dérbi madrileno frente ao Atlético de Madrid, optando por uma ofensiva pública contra críticas e vozes consideradas hostis.

Quem confirmou a mudança na política do Real Madrid?

A mudança foi confirmada pelo clube através de um comunicado oficial e ações nas redes sociais, destacando a figura de Juanma Castaño como o epicentro da controvérsia.

Por que o Real Madrid decidiu agir agora?

A decisão de intensificar a comunicação pública e confrontar críticas surge após um desaire significativo no calendário da equipa, especificamente a derrota no dérbi.

Quais mudanças foram implementadas na comunicação do Real Madrid?

O clube passou a adotar uma postura mais agressiva, publicando um vídeo nas redes sociais que compila polêmicas associadas a Juanma Castaño e censurando comparações feitas por ele.

Como a direção do Real Madrid reagiu a críticas anteriores?

Historicamente, a direção sob Florentino Pérez já teve conflitos com órgãos de comunicação, mas agora a estratégia de resposta é mais pública e acessível, sinalizando um endurecimento da linha institucional.

What happened in this story?

Real Madrid muda de política institucional e parte para summarizes the main development covered in this report.

Who confirmed this news?

See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.