MerengueBites: Recent Episodes
RMFB
Welcome to Real Madrid Football Blog's podcast - Merengue Bites. Listen to Mark, Rahul, Bassam and Kaushik dissect anything and everything about Real Madrid every week. Subscribe for your dose of news, opinion and some fun along the way.
Mark, Ryan & Kaushik gather to look back on La Undecima -- the game and the season -- and look forward to what lies ahead for Real Madrid's squad going forward.
Mark, Ryan and Rahul gather to look back on Real Madrid's league season and how it has been impacted by the mid-season coaching change.
This episode saw us discuss a wide variety of issues including back-up striker options, the need (or not) for a midfield signing and the tough decision the club faces concerning the futures of Pepe and Rafael Varane.
We also start looking forward to the Champions League final versus Atletico Madrid, discussing the tactical keys to the game and pondering the awesomeness and cruelty of yet another Sergio Ramos headed goal.
Hala Madrid!
Mark, Ryan and Kaushik discuss Real Madrid's weirdly low-key semifinal vs Manchester City and narrow home victory over Valencia.
The guys also address your questions about lesser lights Danilo and Kovacic, and discuss the talking points surrounding Alvaro Arbeloa's farewell.
Hala Madrid!
The Merengue Bites pod returns from winter hibernation!
Mark & Rahul discuss Real Madrid's La Liga fightback, the Champions League semi-final 2nd leg and which team they'd rather face in the final.
The guys also discuss the fortunes and misfortunes of players including Ronaldo, Casemiro and James, and ponder how the squad can be strengthened over the summer.
Hala Madrid!
It's a full house on hand as Mark, Kaushik, Rahul and Ryan discuss the first two games of the Zinedine Zidane era. The guys discuss Zizou's early impact on the team, and what his appointment means for the squad and certain players.
Also in today's episode, why Madridistas shouldn't be too anxious over the FIFA transfer ban. That and a whole lot more on this episode of Merengue Bites. Hala Madrid!!
The two Rs of the Merengue Bites team Ryan & Rahul discuss Real Madrid's 2-0 victory over Eibar and various talking points after what has been an eventful and traumatic period at Real Madrid.
The guys get into the Kroos vs Casemiro debate, ponder the reasons behind the ineffectiveness of the BBC, ask how the team will cope with a raft of defensive injuries and wonder if there is room for optimism between now and the end of the calendar year.
Hala Madrid!!
Merengue Bites is back for Season 3 in a new format. Due to real life, messed up time zones and other factors, the podcast crew is unable to deliver weekly episodes but have still commited to a new style of once in 3-4 week-ish larger picture analysis and reviews of Real Madrid. In this episode, Mark Ryan and Kaushik take a look at the first few games of Benitez' Real Madrid and share their tactical observations, their first impressions of the new setup, new players and much more.
Thank you to each of our fans for supporting us through the days, and we hope you enjoy this new season. Kindly reach out to us with any feedback. Hala Madrid!
Mark, Kaushik and Rahul sign off for the season by conducting a post-mortem of the 2014-15 campaign and discussing the performances and prospects of every single player in the Real Madrid squad. The guys also discuss the seemingly imminent departure of Carlo Ancelotti and his most likely replacement at the time of writing, Rafa Benitez.
Hala Madrid!!
On this episode of Merengue Bites - Mark, Ryan and Kaushik discuss the disappointing end to our Champions League campaign at the hands of the old lady Juventus and give their views of the match. In addition to this they take a pilot's view of how the season has been and ponder on the important questions of whether Ancelotti should be allowed to continue, whether the squad needs to be rebuilt and much more.
Mark, Rahul and Kaushik discuss Real Madrid's exciting 3-2 victory over Sevilla at the Sanchez Pizjuan. The guys discuss Ramos' new midfield role, Bale's encouraging substitute appearance and ponder whether Casillas should've taken James Rodriguez's penalty kick-saving advice.
The panel also talk about the challenges that will be posed by Juventus in the Champions League semi-final first leg, and how Real Madrid should set up for the win.
And finally, in the wake of the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, the guys discuss which footballers like they'd to see step into a ring together!
Mark, Ryan and Kaushik bring you a pre-clasico edition of the podcast where they analyse the victory against a team in blaugrana (yes Levante wear the same colours. The crew is really excited about the fact that Modric and Ramos are back, and gives their opinion on the spoilt Bernabeu public booing their own players. In part 2, the panel looks forward to the big game next weekend and analyses Barca's strengths and weaknesses, along with discussing how Madrid could potentially set themselves up. Before parting, Mark and Kaushik also reminisce the best parts of the recently retired Real Madrid Football Blog.
Mark, Rahul and Ryan discuss Real Madrid's toothless performance in a 0-1 reverse at Athletic Bilbao and the implications of the result on the title race. The guys discuss the BBC's recent ineffectiveness and the impact of playing without Modric and James and look forward to Real Madrid's Champions League Round of 16 second leg.
On a lighter note, this week's IsraQM segment has the guys contemplating a doomsday scenario involving Real Madrid players. Hala Madrid!!
Madridista Mac is back and has Kaushik and Ryan with him to review the Elche match in La Liga and Schalke from midweek. The crew discusses Lucas Silva's impressive integration to the team, Isco lovefest from everywhere, the impact of Pepe's return and other topics. Also, as always, listener questions ranging from how important Marcelo is to us to would we trade CR for 3 good young players. Also, Oscar fever has spread to the podcast as well, also Freaky Friday. Yes, Freaky Friday! Enjoy this fully loaded show to go with a nice 4 point lead at the top of La Liga.
Kaushik and Ryan review the Deportivo win which lifted the spirits of the squad and fans lightly after the derbi debacle. They focus on Bale's impressive performance, and Illarra's equally disappointing show. The crew also discusses Lucas Silva's debut and answers some excellent (as always) listener questions such as - What is the best and worst Real Madrid debut we have seen? What would our squad players be in life if they weren't footballers.. Yup, what a question! And of course.. CL is back, so some predictions are in the show as well. Enjoy!
Mark, Rahul and Ryan gather to discuss Real Madrid's 0-4 capitulation to Atletico Madrid in the worst performance under Carlo Ancelotti's tenure. The guys analyze Real Madrid's failures in every area of the pitch and discuss the perceived lack of desire and sacrifice from the players.
The panel also asks what Real Madrid need to do to regain the upper hand in derby encounters, and consider the implications of this result for the team's upcoming fixtures and title ambitions.
As ever, please send in your questions and comments so we can feature them in next week's episode. Hala Madrid!!
Mark, Rahul and Ryan discuss the talking points surrounding Real Madrid's 4-1 home victory over Real Sociedad, including yet another early goal concession, more missed sitters from Bale and more excellent play from Benzema.
The guys also look forward to Real Madrid's possible line-up for the midweek game vs Sevilla, and look back at the most memorable and forgettable football commercials over the years!
Hala Madrid!!
This week, Mark, Kaushik, Rahul and Ryan address the talking points surrounding Real Madrid's disappointing performance against Cordoba, including Ronaldo's poor performance and behaviour and a questionable defensive display. We also look ahead to a tricky series of games and discuss how best to cope in Ronaldo's absence.
The guys also look into the Merengue Bites crystal ball and ponder what exciting new signings Martin Odegaard and Lucas Silva could bring to the team in coming years, and what their signing means for Asier 'Batman' Illarramendi.
Kaushik returns to the podcast after his vacation, and has Mark explain to him just what he has missed in the last few weeks. The panel then discusses the Getafe victory - touching topics like Toni Kroos' fatigue, Gareth Bale's form, etc and also answers some great listener questions about Modric's return, Castilla, 3-5-2 formations and more. Oh yes, we have the IsraQM segment as well, this time about cult leaders. We've been gone a week, but we're back, loaded. #HalaMadrid
Mark, Rahul and Ryan discuss a less-than-happy start to 2015 for Real Madrid, as Los Merengues end their winning streak just three victories short of a Guinness World Record. The guys discuss Gareth Bale's underwhelming performance and the team's general rustiness and plead for perspective and calm among Real Madrid fans rattled by the defeat.
On a very special edition of Merengue Bites, the crew is joined by a very special guest - Phil Kitromiledes of Real Madrid Television of The Spanish Football Podcast Fame in part one where he answers a few of our questions. In part two, the panel takes a look back at an excellent half-season so far and discusses who their half season MVP is. The crew also answers listener questions ranging from - Which former RM player would you like in the team? to Which Real Madrid player would make the best James Bond villain. You couldn't have asked for a more loaded podcast to end the excellent 2014. #HalaMadrid
Mark, Rahul and guest panelist Sushil discuss Real Madrid's 4-1 victory over Almeria, which saw Los Merengues open up a 4-point lead atop the table while creeping closer to Curitiba's world record of 24 consecutive wins. The guys also discuss Real Madrid's possible Champions League Round of 16 match-ups, Gareth Bale's uninspiring form and Isco's evolution into a Seedorf-like midfielder, in addition to creating a Dream Real Madrid XI consisting of non-Real Madrid players as well as an all-Madridista boy-band.
Mark, Kaushik and Rahul discuss Real Madrid's regulation 3-0 victory over Celta Vigo courtesy of a record-breaking hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo and an encouraging performance from Asier "Batman" Illarramendi.
Also on the docket for episode 16 -- Real Madrid's midfield injuries, transfer window targets (or lack thereof) and a discussion on confirmed (Marco Asensio, Mink Peeters) and rumoured (Lucas Silva, Martin Odegaard) signings of youngsters.
Finally, for this week's IsraQM Segment, the guys compare individual Real Madrid players to car brands and ponder which La Liga team would win a Hunger Games-style fight to the death.
Hala Madrid!
The Merengue Bites crew is back to analyse the match against Malaga that took the win streak to 16 matches. Does this make this team better than the 2012-13 team? How long will the streak go? In part two the panel discusses the ever so debatable topic of Balon D'Or and other FIFA awards, puts together a team of best players that Madrid have sold, and discusses Madrid's potential signing Marco Asensio. So much goodness packed into one show? Yup, that's how sweet Merengue Bites is. Clearly we don't pun as well as we podcast.
Mark, Rahul, Kaushik & Ryan discuss Real Madrid's comfortable 4-0 win away to minnows Eibar and major talking points such as Luka Modric's injury, Isco's performance in central midfield, Cristiano Ronaldo's goalscoring target for the season and potential winter transfer window activity.
The guys also discuss off-the-field matters such as potential transfer window activity, Real Madrid's deal with Microsoft and the polarizing articles of El Pais journalist Diego Torres.
Hala Madrid!!
Merengue Bites is back after a week's break and Madridista Mac has Ryan and Kaushik with him to discuss the victory against Rayo Vallecano, Ancelotti's renewal rumours and other topics. The crew also play a trivia game which you, the listener, can play as well. The panel also tries to name the best team out of Real Madrid cantera products and if that's not enough there's also answers to whacko questions about superheroes and the likes. What better way to fill the international break?
Mark, Rahul, Kaushik & Ryan discuss Real Madrid's easy and super-impressive 4-0 away win at Granada. The panel also address Isco's future once Gareth Bale returns from injury, whether Real Madrid have well and truly moved on past Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo's unbelievable evolution as a player.
As a Halloween treat, the guys also put their heads together to come up with an All-Time Worst XI of Real Madrid players, which you can see at the very bottom of this page.
For the first time in history, we bring you a Merengue Bites podcast with the full roster of panelists -- Mark, Kaushik, Rahul, Bassam and Ryan exult in Real Madrid's excellent 3-1 comeback victory over Barcelona at home.
We analyze the keys to the game, pick out five of the best individual performers and discuss how much we like Varane and dislike Luis Enrique. All this and more!
Hala Madrid!
Mark, Kaushik and Ryan meet again to take a brief look at the match at Levante and focus on Real Madrid's big week which features matches against Liverpool in the Champions League, and El Clasico against Barcelona. The crew discusses Bale's injury, improvement of James and Isco, tactical approach against Barca, and lots more. How do we really feel about Marcelo? Which footballer has the most swag? and other questions round up a loaded episode. You couldn't have asked for a better primer for this big week.
Mark, Kaushik and Ryan return after nearly two weeks of a break to discuss the three matches that have taken place in the time frame, and how Real Madrid has progressed in that time. The crew also tackles Cristiano's evolution, Casillas' interview, Ancelotti's position in a manager's power rankings, coolest goal celebrations and much more.
In this week's Merengue Bites episode, Mark returns after a week out and discusses with Ryan and Kaushik, about the goal fest at the Riazor. The panel discusses the formation the team began with and finally ended with, along with voting for their favourite goal among the eight. In the second part, the crew discuss Varane's new contract, Perez' plans of cutting one of the Real Madrid cantera teams and more.
Kaushik, Rahul and guest podcaster Albert review Real Madrid's disappointing derby reverse at home to Atletico Madrid. The panel scrutinizes individual player performances, surmises on tactical matters and look forward to Real Madrid's games against Basel in the Champions League and Villarreal in La Liga.
As always, the guys also answer a wide variety of listener questions addressing topics as varied as why Illarramendi and Varane are always on the bench to which coach's daughter they wouldn't dare date...
From India, Singapore, Canada and France, your humble global Madridista podcasters Kaushik, Mark, Rahul and Ryan join forces to discuss the Champions League draw and implications not just for Real Madrid's campaign but that of other teams as well.
We also discuss a wide variety of issues including Florentino Perez's impact on Real Madrid and his war of words with Angel Di Maria, CR7's future at the club and which WAGs we crush on!
Mark, Kaushik and Ryan discuss Real Madrid's shocking defeat at the Anoeta after going 2-0 up, which players performed well and which ones disappointed as well as transfer goings-on, with Ryan claiming that Lionel Messi is on his way to the Bernabeu ;)
Mark, Bassam, Kaushik and Ryan join forces to review the disappointing Supercopa defeat to Atletico Madrid and discuss the Alonso-Kroos-Modric midfield partership, James Rodriguez's best position and the Angel Di Maria situation.
More importantly, the gang pow-wow over Real Madrid's rumoured dragon-watermarked black third kit and ponder which Real Madrid player would likely bake the best cake!
Bassam joins the crew after a long hiatus as him, Mark, Ryan and Kaushik preview the upcoming La Liga season from the view points of Barcelona, Atletico, and of course Real Madrid. The panel also tackles several tough listener questions, about whether Modric and Kroos can handle the midfield on their own, on how Zidane and Hierro will fare this season, and also a fun one where there's even some Star Wars talk.
In this week's edition of Merengue Bites, Mark, Kaushik and Ryan get together to discuss the preseason so far, with special emphasis on the very messy Iker Casillas situation. The panel also answers some listener questions, especially some fun ones regarding Battle Royales and Zombie Apocalypses. To top off the show, there is a special game where the panelists draft their own football teams in a hypothetical scenario where the future of the world depends on their teams. If your appetite is already whet, click that play button!
Merengue Bites returns after its summer hiatus! Mark, Kaushik and Rahul discuss new signings Toni Kroos & James Rodriguez, tactical options for the new season and the goalkeeper position. Also, Mark and Kaushik ponder a 5-man basketball lineup comprising Real Madrid footballers... Hala Madrid!!
Kaushik, Mark and Rahul discuss all things World Cup, and look back at the first few days of action. This episode was recorded on Sunday June 15, before the France-Honduras and Argentina-BiH games were played.
Kaushik, Bassam and special guest Ryan preview international football's showpiece tournament, the World Cup in Brazil!
In this special 'awards' edition of Merengue Bites, the panel put forward their nominees for MVP of the season, most disappointing player of the season, most memorable moment, favourite goal and several other categories.
Hala Madrid!
There are ten exclamation marks in the episode title for a reason -- Real Madrid have finally, finally won La Decima!
Mark, Rahul, Kaushik and special guest Ryan from France talk about how La Decima was won, what they felt and observed as the game progressed and discuss where the team goes from here.
Hala Madrid!!!
Mark, Bassam and Kaushik tip their hats to Atletico de Madrid for a historic and deserved La Liga conquest and share their thoughts about the epic La Liga ‘finale’ between Atletico and Barcelona.
The guys also discuss Alvaro Morata’s season and whether a replacement striker needs to be brought in, while Kaushik draws a peculiar parallel between his marriage to his wife and Real Madrid’s 50 million euro divorce settlement with Mesut Ozil.
The episode wraps up with a look-ahead to the Champions League final as well as Spain’s World Cup squad.
Mark and Rahul look back at the historic 4-0 drubbing of Bayern Munich, review Real Madrid's tepid 2-2 draw against Valencia and make a right mess of the math while discussing the La Liga title race permutations.
Ep. 13 marks a historic Merengue Bites podcast, with all four panelists available! Mark, Kaushik, Rahul and Bassam discuss talking points from Real Madrid's Copa Del Rey championship victory over Barcelona, which will go down in history for Bale's incredible winner. The guys also look forward to a most intriguing and difficult Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich. It's truly a huge week for the team, club and all Madridistas. Hala Madrid!!
Mark and Bassam discuss Real Madrid's comfortable 4-0 thrashing of Almeria and the nervy 0-2 defeat at Dortmund that preceded it. Also, a look-ahead to the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich.
Mark, Kaushik and Rahul review Real Madrid's surprisingly comfortable 4-0 away win at Real Sociedad and look forward to the upcoming 2nd leg of the Champions League quarterfinal versus Borussia Dortmund. The panel also discuss possible transfer activity for Real Madrid over the summer, the ramifications of Barcelona's transfer ban and Mark reveals his deep admiration, respect and veneration for Barca's reserve goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto.
Welcome to Episode 10 of the Merengue Bites podcast. Mark and Rahul discuss Real Madrid's 5-0 home win over Rayo Vallecano and preview Real Madrid's Champions League quarterfinal first leg versus Borussia Dortmund.
The Real Madrid Football Blog team review a gripping rollercoaster edition of El Clasico filled with great football and plenty of controversy. Mark, Kaushik and Rahul discuss the tactical talking points of the game, scrutinize the performances of individual players and ponder what tactical or personnel changes may need to be made going forward. The panel also talks about what kinds of food and beverages they turn to in order to recover from disappointing defeats.
Mark, Kaushik and Rahul review Real Madrid's not-so-convincing 1-0 away victory at Malaga. We also discuss who should replace Benzema if he is unable to recover in time for the Clasico, ponder Khedira's future at the club and dissect the advantages of short corners and freekicks over direct plays.
Also - a strange and revealing discussion on the whereabouts of Bassam, who mysteriously disappeared on the eve of the podcast recording.
Hala Madrid!
This week, the panel reviews Real Madrid's regulation 3-0 home win over Levante. We also discuss how best to handle the right-back situation what with Arbeloa being out injured and Carvajal picking up a knock, try to define Ancelottiy's tactical plan B and debate over whether Isco can play a significant role in the remainder of the season.
Mark and Rahul look back on a frantic Madrid derby that resulted in a 2-2 draw and plenty of talking points and controversy. We also discuss how long Jese may find himself out of the starting XI, the Morata-Arsenal rumours and our realistic expectations for the season after the high of league leadership and the Schalke thrashing and the disappointment of the 2-2 draw at Atletico Madrid. Also, Mark goes totally left-field with an #RMFBManCrush selection that has disappointed many hardcore Madridistas... listen on to find out more!
Mark, Bassam and Kaushik review Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Elche which sees Real Madrid take top spot in La Liga! The guys also preview Real Madrid's Champions League Round of 16 1st leg away to German club Schalke, answer your questions and discuss their latest #RMFBManCrush.
Ep. 4 of Merengue Bites sees the long-awaited season debut of Bassam, who jumps right into the host's chair! Bassam, Mark and Rahul review Real Madrid's routine 3-0 win over Getafe, discuss individual players and compare the team's 4-3-3 formation to its old 4-2-3-1 Mourinho-era setup.
The panel also discusses Alvaro Morata's future at the club and look ahead to the return of the Champions League. All that and lots more... Hala Madrid!!
Episode 3 of the nuevo Merengue Bites podcast.
THIS WEEK, Mark, Kaushik and Rahul review Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Villareal and discuss the return to the linup for Bale and Illarramendi, Jese's performance on his favoured left flank in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, the impact of Di Maria and Modric on Real Madrid's performances and more.
Plus, we address your questions and reveal our latest predictions and #RMFBManCrush(es).
In this week's edition of Merengue Bites, we review Real Madrid's 1-1 draw away at Athletic Bilbao and preview the Copa Del Rey semifinal vs Atletico Madrid. We also discuss Sergio Ramos' evolution in his 10 years in La Liga, discuss the new design for the Santiago Bernabeu stadium and look back at the career and legacy of Luis Aragones.
Episode 1 of the newly reinstated/retooled/reissued/resuscitated Merengue Bites. This week, a look back at Real Madrid v Granada - Modric continues to impress, Gareth Bale puts his family jewels on the line and Pepe goes 2 years without seeing red.
Plus - a look-ahead to the Copa del Rey, a voyeuristic peek at events at FC Barcelona and... man crushes. Yes, you read that right. Listen on!