A Month of Disarray: Real Madrid’s Declining La Liga Fortunes
For the last few years, most observers and fans have come to expect Real Madrid to hit their stride in the final few months of every season. Regardless of how their campaign has unfolded up to that point, the Merengues are generally anticipated to elevate their performance from February onwards, as they confront the most pivotal challenges in the latter stages of the season. However, this season, it seems that Real Madrid’s form has not only plateaued but has taken a significant dip, and the future looks uncertain.
Mixed Success in European and Domestic Cups
Despite the concerning downturn in La Liga, the last month was not entirely devoid of positive outcomes for Real Madrid. One of the highlights was their compelling 6-3 aggregate victory over Manchester City in the playoff round for qualification to the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. This win, achieved through a 5-3 thriller in the second leg at the Bernabéu, showcased the team’s resilience and attacking prowess. Similarly, they managed to overcome Leganés in the Copa del Rey, and currently hold a 1-0 lead over Real Sociedad in the semi-final tie, thanks to Endrick’s goal in the first leg at the Anoeta stadium. These successes in European and domestic cup competitions provided a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil.
La Liga Setbacks Begin: The Espanyol Defeat
Real Madrid’s La Liga campaign took a significant hit right at the start of February. In a match against RCD Espanyol, a team that was not expected to pose much of a challenge, Los Blancos suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat. The match was marred by controversial referee decisions that went against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but despite these setbacks, the team should have secured the full three points. This loss was a clear indicator that something was amiss in the team’s form and cohesion.
The Madrid Derby: A Contested Draw
The controversies continued as Real Madrid faced Atlético Madrid in the Madrid derby. Another contentious penalty decision went against the Merengues, but they managed to secure a 1-1 draw with a second-half strike from Kylian Mbappé. While a point from such a high-stakes match might be considered a positive, the loss of an additional two points was a significant blow to their league ambitions. The team’s inability to capitalize on their chances and maintain a strong defense in critical moments was evident.
Osasuna and the Red Card Woe
Real Madrid’s form in La Liga remained inconsistent as they returned to league action after their first leg of the UCL tie against Manchester City. The match against Osasuna saw Jude Bellingham receive a red card for alleged verbal abuse against the referee, further complicating their situation. Despite taking an early lead, Los Blancos found themselves on the back foot with the numerical disadvantage. Osasuna capitalized on this by leveling the score with a penalty in the second half, resulting in another 1-1 draw and the loss of two more crucial points.
Brief Respite: Victory Over Girona
The only league win for Real Madrid in February came against Girona, a game they played immediately after eliminating Manchester City from the UCL. Goals from Luka Modrić and Vinicius Júnior provided a much-needed boost, allowing the Merengues to stay on equal points with Barcelona in the league table. This victory was crucial, as it temporarily halted their points drop and reminded everyone of their potential. However, the prior losses had already given Barcelona the opportunity to overcome the 7-point deficit they faced on matchday 21.
A Stumbling Start to March: Defeat Against Real Betis
The month of February concluded and a new one began, but the issues for Real Madrid persisted. Their first league match in March ended in another defeat, this time against Real Betis, in what was an overall poor display. The team’s defensive lapses and lack of sharpness in attack were on full display, leading to a drop in form that has seen them slip to third place in the La Liga standings, behind both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. This performance has raised serious concerns about their ability to compete for the title in the remaining 12 matches of the season.
Looking Forward: Can Ancelotti Steer the Ship Back on Course?
With 12 matches left in the La Liga season, the pressure is mounting on Carlo Ancelotti and his team to turn things around. The Italian manager has a wealth of experience and has guided Real Madrid through numerous ups and downs in the past. Fans and supporters are hoping that his tactical acumen and leadership will once again come to the fore, ensuring that Los Blancos remain competitive and do not fall further behind in the title race. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Real Madrid can regain their momentum and secure a strong finish to the season.
