Far from being dashing, Real Madrid can boast of having had a successful start to the season, at least in accounting terms. With the arrival of new players and a new coach, Xabi Alonso, on the bench, the capital club had reason to have some doubts. Especially after a rather disastrous last year without winning a major trophy. Winners of their first seven matches this season, the Merengue club was clearly on a roll, and the style demanded by Xabi Alonso was beginning to take shape, despite some criticism. Ultimately, everything collapsed last weekend.
In their first major match of the season, Real Madrid delivered a dismal performance against Atlético Madrid. Leading 2-1 until the 45th minute, the Merengues were overwhelmed in a disastrous second half. Conceding three goals in the second half, preceded by another just before halftime, Real Madrid sank 5-2 on their rivals' pitch, far from their best since the start of the season. Following this huge disappointment, Xabi Alonso came under fire , and the Spanish press was quick to sound the alarm.
Real Madrid can no longer win against big teams
One point is starting to seriously worry the Iberian press this Tuesday: Real Madrid's inability to beat big teams. Having built their legend on successful clashes against Europe's biggest clubs, the Santiago Bernabeu residents now have a record that leaves something to be desired against these same teams. As Marca points out , Real Madrid has been struggling in big matches in recent months. Since last season, Real Madrid has not won in 12 matches against big teams.
In the Champions League, Real Madrid have been beaten twice by Arsenal, AC Milan, Liverpool, and were beaten by PSG in the Club World Cup. On Spanish soil, Real Madrid have been beaten in their last four meetings against FC Barcelona and have only one victory against Atlético in their last five meetings. This meager record is also offset by the two victories against Dortmund and Manchester City last season, not to mention the success against Juventus in the Club World Cup. Six wins in the last 18 major matches is a far from satisfactory record for a club of Real Madrid's caliber.
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