Madrid have failed to beat their main rivals in the six games they have played so far this season.
From an almost invincible team to one that falters at every turn, Barça highlighted Real Madrid's transformation in the Super Cup final. Last season, Madrid dominated with an iron fist, conquering the Champions League, LaLiga and the Super Cup.
However, this season they were overwhelmed by Barcelona in both Clásicos, suffering two of their most painful defeats of the campaign. These losses are emblematic of the team's decline in competitiveness.
While Atletico were the only team to beat Ancelotti's men last season, Madrid have yet to beat any of their rivals this season.
Atlético, Barça, AC Milan, Liverpool, Athletic, Barça again: the list of teams Madrid has failed to overcome is growing. A remarkable comeback against Dortmund (5-2 after trailing 2-0 at half-time at the Bernabéu) is their only significant victory this season, apart from the victories in the Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup.
Barcelona has Real Madrid's number
Meanwhile, Barça have won both Clásicos in decisive fashion, with a 4-0 thrashing at the Bernabéu and 5-2 in Jeddah. Athletic secured a 2-1 win at San Mamés in another La Liga 'Clásico'. Milan triumphed 3-1 at the Bernabéu in what was once known as 'the Clásico of Europe'. Liverpool recorded a 2-0 win in the most closely played final in European Cup history, while Atlético secured a dramatic 1-1 draw in the derby.
Last season, neither Barça, Manchester City, Bayern Munich nor Dortmund managed to beat Madrid, not even in the Wembley final. Madrid overturned deficits against Barça in the Clásicos of both competitions – both resolved by Bellingham's stoppage-time heroics – to beat them in the Super Cup final, with Vinícius Jr. delivered a sublime performance.
Los Blancos and their poor defensive record
Madrid's dominance last season was unprecedented, losing only two of 55 matches, both against Atlético, and one match going to extra time in the Copa del Rey. This season, however, the story has changed dramatically.
Madrid have conceded three or more goals in five games, including three of the four matches against Atlético, the first leg of the quarter-final against Manchester City and a 4-4 draw in the penultimate LaLiga match against Villarreal.
In their 30 games so far, Madrid have suffered six defeats. Rayo Vallecano and Milan each scored three goals against them, while Barça scored nine goals in just 135 minutes. At this pace, playing the same way, Real Madrid have no chance when it comes to the big games, both domestically and in Europe.
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