Alarming Statistics Expose Real Madrid’s Away Struggles in La Liga
Real Madrid, traditionally one of the most formidable teams in European football, has faced significant challenges this season when playing away from their iconic Bernabéu Stadium. The latest setback—a tough match against Real Betis—added another chapter to a growing narrative of inconsistency on the road. What began as an early season stumble, a frustrating draw against Real Mallorca in the opening matchday, has now evolved into a concerning trend that threatens their ability to defend the La Liga title. The club, under the experienced guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, has struggled to maintain the form and consistency that have long been hallmarks of their success.
Troubling Away Form
The statistics paint a stark picture of Real Madrid’s away form. Out of 14 league matches played away from home, they have managed only six victories while suffering three defeats and settling for five draws. This means that they have dropped points in a staggering eight of those 14 matches, a pattern that is proving detrimental to their title aspirations. The points lost are substantial, with the team having already squandered 19 points away from home. The last three away fixtures alone have seen them drop eight consecutive points, including a defeat against Espanyol, a draw against Osasuna, and another loss to Betis. These results are particularly alarming given the club’s high standards and the fierce competition in La Liga.
A Look at the Trend
The inconsistency in their away performances is a significant factor contributing to their struggles. Real Madrid has not managed to secure more than two consecutive away wins in La Liga this season, achieving this feat only twice. The first occasion was when they won back-to-back matches against Celta Vigo and Leganés, and the second was with victories against Valencia and Valladolid. However, beyond these brief moments of stability, their away results have been unpredictable, swinging from wins to draws and defeats. This lack of consistency not only undermines their confidence but also provides their rivals with opportunities to close the gap or even overtake them in the standings.
Early Year’s Bright Spot
The only real period of strong away form for Ancelotti’s men came at the start of the year, when they managed to string together a run of four consecutive away victories across different competitions. This impressive streak included wins against Valencia in La Liga, Deportiva Minera in the Copa del Rey, Valladolid again in La Liga, and Brest in the Champions League. These victories demonstrated the team’s capability to perform well on the road and raised hopes for a more consistent away record. However, this promising start was not sustained, and the team has since faltered, leaving them vulnerable in the domestic league.
The Impact on the Title Race
The inconsistent away performances have had a tangible impact on Real Madrid’s title race. In a league as competitive as La Liga, every point counts, and the loss of 19 points away from home is a significant deficit. Teams like Barcelona, who have been more consistent, have taken advantage of these dropped points. Real Madrid’s inability to secure results on the road has made it increasingly difficult for them to maintain a leading position in the league table. As the season progresses, the pressure on the team to improve their away form will only intensify, with the understanding that a more solid performance away from home is crucial for their championship ambitions.
Addressing the Concerns
Ancelotti and his coaching staff are acutely aware of the need to address these away struggles. The club will likely focus on several areas, including team cohesion, tactical flexibility, and mental resilience, to ensure that their away form improves. Key players will also need to step up and provide the leadership and goal-scoring that are often missing on the road. Despite the challenges, the silver lining is that Real Madrid has a history of overcoming adversity and has the talent and experience to turn things around. The upcoming matches will be critical in determining whether they can regain the form needed to mount a serious title challenge in the competitive Spanish league.
