Real Madrid hit new low at the Santiago Bernabéu
By Najam Arfeen
What must Zidane do to save Real Madrid?
Many were under the impression that the current situation at Real Madrid couldn’t prove any more troublesome – but they were wrong. Villarreal toppled their opposition at the Bernabéu for the first time in the club’s history, adding to Zidane’s already extensive list of problems. Los Blancos are now a seemingly insurmountable 16 points behind arch-rivals Barcelona, and serious questions must be asked.
Despite Madrid’s recent troubles on the domestic front, the club were expected to emerge victorious from the encounter. Zidane fielded a strong starting line-up, with Benzema and Sergio Ramos the only major absentees due to their respective injuries. The game started as expected, with the home side dominating the ball and rallying forward in search of the opening goal.
However, the recent trend of profligacy continued as chance after chance went begging. Ronaldo, who is facing an astonishing dip in form, was unable to keep his composure on multiple occasions. Similarly, Gareth Bale struggled to muster up opportunities for himself or his teammates against a resolute Villarreal defence. These are players expected to win matches all on their own – but their current form is unworthy of that reputation.
As fate would have it, the ball refused to go into the net as the game went along – and Zidane committed more men forward. Real Madrid were in search of a late winner, but a corner from Kroos sparked a lightning-quick counter for the visitors.
More from Real Madrid
- Real Madrid dealt Eder Militao injury blow
- Jude Bellingham scores in Real Madrid debut
- Real Madrid facing uncertainty heading into new LaLiga season
- Real Madrid suffer Thibaut Courtois injury blow
- Joselu, the story behind the kid who dreamt of playing for Real Madrid
Keylor Navas was on hand to deny Carlos Bacca’s initial attempt, and Pablo Fornals was there on the rebound to convert a brilliant lofted effort in the 87th minute. The stadium turned grim in a split-second, with supporters resigned to their team’s fate.
Perhaps the most baffling part of it all is that Los Blancos played relatively well for large periods of the game – as has been the case in many failed encounters this season. The end-product, however, continues to elude them.
With none of their forwards taking on a talismanic role, the points are not being secured as the league table becomes progressively more worrisome.
Next: Spurs deal transfer blow to Real Madrid
Champions League qualification is far from assured at this point in time, and any further slip-ups will have the likes of Sevilla and Villarreal waiting to pounce. Moreover, a victory for Barcelona on Sunday will open a 19 point gap – leaving Madrid closer to the relegation zone than top spot. These are all harrowing thoughts for club faithful, and Zidane must conjure up a turn-around fast. His team’s future, and his own future, depend on it.