Major dilemma: Real Madrid's fall puts Mourinho face to face with the ghosts of the past

Real Madrid’s recent fall has revived a question the club chose not to resolve in the transfer market: who controls midfield when matches demand calm, control and ball circulation. After failing to sign Rodri, Real Madrid has leaned on individual solutions, including Arda Güler, while relying on stars such as Mbappé, Vinícius and Bellingham. Against Betis, Real created many chances, but Mbappé squandered clear-cut opportunities, Vinícius looked less decisive than before, and Bellingham showed fatigue and inconsistency. The article highlights José Mourinho’s decision to substitute Güler despite a yellow card, suggesting squad dynamics and a lack of a holding midfielder remain major issues.