Demanding December schedule awaits Ancelotti and Real Madrid

Madrid will play just one more match at the Bernabéu in December, with all the other five matches away from home

Real Madrid have clawed their way back into contention in LaLiga. After their El Clasico humiliation at the Santiago Bernabeu in late October, many observers had already written off 'Los Blancos' title hopes, with Barça looking in imperious form.

However, a defeat to Real Sociedad, a draw in Vigo and a shock home defeat to Las Palmas this week saw Hansi Flick's men cut their lead at the LaLiga summit to just one point, with both teams amid a busy December schedule.

Sunday's win over Getafe provided a balsamic reprieve for Carlo Ancelotti's men after they were outclassed at Anfield in the midweek Champions League match. As things stand, the reigning champions are unlikely to finish in the top 8 of the Swiss model competition's new Champions League format and will do so. must progress in the competition through a play-off.

A terrifying December

Madrid will play six games in three competitions in December, with two tough away tests in the league when they head to Bilbao in midweek before traveling to Girona next weekend.

The Champions League is back on the agenda for 'Los Blancos' and Bergamo is the next destination in mid-month as Madrid will look to bounce back into the competition against high-flying Atlanta, who are currently fifth in the standings.

LaLiga then takes center stage as Ancelotti's men make a short trip to the 'barrio' Vallecas to take on Rayo Vallecano.

A trip to Qatar is the next destination of a busy month as the European champions have been fast-tracked to the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and will face Al Ahly-Botafogo/Pachuca in the final to be held in Lusail, the backdrop for the 2022 World Cup final.

The final match in December brings 'Los Blancos' back to the Bernabeu, where they will play Sevilla in LaLiga on December 22.

The first team squad will then enjoy a short break over the festive period before activity resumes in January with LaLiga, Champions League on the agenda for the new year, along with the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi -Arabia.