For most clubs, failing to win in two straight matches isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it’s quite common for most. But most clubs aren’t Real Madrid, whose supporters are panicking with Real having only earned one point in their last two matches, falling behind Barcelona in La Liga title race in the process. So what is causing the recent struggles of Real Madrid, and should they be worried about letting La Liga slip away?
Perhaps the most troubling issue surrounding Real Madrid right now is the recent form of Gareth Bale. Bale, signed for 100 million euros from Tottenham, has fallen apart recently, having failed to record a goal or an assist in seven games now. That’s his longest such streak in four years. He’s also been taking fewer shots since his team lost 4-0 in the Madrid Derby to Atletico Madrid. While a decrease in shots from one player won’t necessarily hurt a team by itself, it’s the decrease in shots relative to Real’s structure that has.
Bale’s typical position on the wing of Real Madrid’s attack gives him the width required to cut inward and shoot from more dangerous positions than if he were placed in a more central role, while also giving him the freedom to continue moving down the sideline and deliver passes as needed. With his shooting volume way down in recent weeks, defenses are better equipped to deal with his passing, simply because they are able to expect passes to come in more frequently.
Also struggling for Real Madrid is their midfield, for a multitude of reasons that should have Real Madrid concerned.
First and foremost, injury has made this powerhouse of a midfield just a little less powerful, with the 2014 World Cup’s star James Rodriguez out nursing a broken foot. While this isn’t something that can be blamed on anyone, or something that can be fixed with anything but time, losing a player of that caliber hurts no matter how deep a bench you possess.
But it’s the players who are healthy who have let Real down as of late in the midfield, failing to dominate the ball in typical Real Madrid fashion to set the pace of the game and feed the potent attack of Ronaldo, Benzema, and Bale. Toni Kroos was the latest Madrid midfielder to let the team down, shipping out nine inaccurate passes in the team’s recent loss to Athletic Bilbao, a loss that allowed Barcelona to leapfrog them in La Liga’s standings.
Of course, without a midfield that can put forwards in positions to score as of late, Madrid’s offense has been relatively toothless. They’ve scored one goal in their last two matches in Spanish league play and, despite scoring multiple goals in the Champions League against Schalke (who only employ three at the back, and had to chase the game due to trailing in the second leg) at midweek, look like they are in danger of faltering domestically.
With all of that said, though, Real Madrid are still right there with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga, and can easily win both the domestic league title and Champions League. And with the best player in the world at their disposal, only a fool would rule those possibilities out.