FC Barcelona’s crucial win over Real Madrid in El Clásico - a result that essentially handed them the league title - drew praise from across the football world. Among the most surprising voices was former Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos, who spoke openly about both Barça’s strengths and Madrid’s struggles.
Though now retired from the Madrid midfield, Kroos didn’t shy away from offering a candid critique of his former club. He admitted that even after Los Blancos took a 2-0 lead, he wasn’t confident they’d hold on.
“It honestly felt like a gift to be up 2-0. I never had the feeling the game was really under control,” he said.
What truly stood out to Kroos, though, was the mentality and playing style of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona.
“They just keep going like nothing happened. There’s no fear in their game,” he noted, drawing a contrast with how Madrid reacted under pressure.
Kroos praised the transformation Barça has undergone since Flick replaced Xavi Hernández as manager. According to him, the team’s calmness and confidence on the ball have been a major factor this season. “Their ease with possession is impressive. Madrid, on the other hand, looked hesitant and couldn’t take advantage of the lead,” he said.
Looking at Real Madrid’s broader problems this season - a campaign that will end without any silverware - Kroos pointed to the defensive injuries that have plagued the squad.
“You’ve basically lost your entire backline. If you want to build from the back, you need players capable of doing that. And with so many teams pressing high, it’s been a real challenge,” he explained.
He also highlighted the physical and mental toll the season has taken on Madrid’s players.
“A lot of them have played almost every match. You start dropping games you normally wouldn’t. At a club like this, that pressure only gets heavier when results go bad,” Kroos added.
“These kinds of seasons happen. But if the club makes smart moves in the summer, I believe Real Madrid will return to where they’ve always belonged,” he concluded.