In Weekly Moments I will be giving you a look behind-the-scenes of my life as a Sports Journalism student. This will almost be like my digital journal that I will update weekly, either with stories or full of pictures and videos. The first full week in Madrid was one I’ll probably remember for a long time. Between new beginnings, early alarms, and a lot of football, it already feels like the semester has properly started.
Press Conference at Valdebebas
Before classes even began, I got the chance to attend the press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s match against Getafe. It was my first time inside Ciudad Real Madrid in Valdebebas, and I had no idea what to expect. I was told we could watch the last 15 minutes of practice and after the press conference. The moment I walked into the media room, everything felt real and surreal at the same time. The space buzzed quietly, the cameras ready, journalists preparing last-minute questions, the kind of organised tension that fills the air before the big stage lights turn on. After waiting for quite a while, all of a sudden there were quick movements and everyone was in action mode. Me and the other students were a little confused still, only to then realise now was the time to watch the training. And watching the training was like you can imagine. It was intense, fast, and a little laughter here and there. It felt kind of surreal to be able to stand there between all these professional journalists, but also a really cool experience. After the training we had to wait for another while and then Xabi Alonso walked in. One after the other journalist asked their question, got (hopefully an answer they hoped for) and instantly started typing away. It was at this moment I was happy my Spanish had improved to a point where I could easily follow the whole conference in Spanish.
It’s funny how quickly your role changes when you’re there as an aspiring journalist instead of a fan watching this at home. You start noticing the pauses, the tone of each answer, and the rhythm of the questions. It’s a completely different kind of observation, and I loved every second of it. Hopefully on to many more…
Watching the Training at Ciudad Deportivo Valdebebas.
Xabi Alonso during the Press Conference against Getafe.
Radio Nights at COPE
Our first Radio Class took us to COPE, one of Spain’s biggest sports radio networks, on a Champions League night. When we walked in, we immediately entered the studio where they would be live broadcasting. The studio was much bigger than I expected and alive with laughter and jokes from the commentators. The commentators talking over each other, screens flashing scores, and producers signaling behind the glass. It was loud, fast, and chaotic in the best way.
I’d never realised how much teamwork it takes to make something that sounds so effortless on air. There’s something about the mix of pressure and passion that makes live radio addictive and a little overwhelming (in a good way). I am so excited to see what else we will learn during this course.
COPE Live Show on Champions League.
European Nights at the Bernabéu
A few days later, I experienced my first European night in Madrid: Real Madrid versus Juventus at the Santiago Bernabéu.I’ve seen it on TV for years, but nothing compares to being there in person. The floodlights, the Hala Madrid, the Champions League anthem, the sea of white scarves and t-shirts. This was one of those moments where you just stop for a second and think, “wow, this is really happening.” For my very first football match in Europe, it was an unforgettable night. (If you want to read a more in-depth version of that night I recommend you reading my Match Days column.)
A Real “Pinch Me” Moment…
The Final Project: The “What If…?” Talk Show
Somewhere between classes and late-night games, I joined a new project called: The “What If…?” Football Talk Show. The idea came from my classmates Neda and Fran, who wanted to create something fresh and interactive — a show that reimagines football history by asking what could have been.
I’ll be joining as a co-host, mostly on the streets of Madrid, talking to fans and capturing their real reactions and opinions. It still feels a little surreal to say that out loud. More updates will definitely come as we start filming soon.
Next Up...
Tomorrow is the big one: El Clásico. Even writing that feels surreal. I have my press badge, my laptop, and more excitement than I’d like to admit. Something tells me next week’s Weekly Moments will be just as interesting.
