I have to say I like Barcelona more than Real Madrid but not by that much, I don't really care about it enough to feel happy or sad about the results, I am not Spanish so it doesn't really matter. However, I have to say that Real Madrid built an amazing team and not only they have amazing older players like Kroos and Modric and Benzema, we are talking about amazing young players too.
Valverde is growing up to be a player that is very formidable, plays in most midfield positions, and his shooting is now back to back amazing goals meaning he has that potential to be a great goal threat at any time. That is why I could say that Real will stay better than Barcelona for many years to come.
Apart from the old good folks that you mentioned, Real Madrid have good young players like Rodrygo and Valverde that are doing great for the team!
The spirit of Real Madrid is not to keep a player against his will nor to keep an old guy with long contract. It is whether you do good or bye. Imagine having a talented and loyal players in the field. That's a winner squad.
Barcelona is different and the management instability made the team weaker.