Real Madrid Facing Parallels with 2020-2021 Nightmare Season
Real Madrid is facing a challenging season reminiscent of their 2020-2021 struggles, marked by injuries, European setbacks, and managerial pressure under Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid is currently experiencing challenges reminiscent of the 2020-2021 season, marked by numerous injuries, struggles in European competitions, and managerial criticisms.
Injury Concerns
This season, manager Carlo Ancelotti has yet to have a fully fit squad. Even in the UEFA Super Cup opener, Eduardo Camavinga was sidelined. Injuries have disrupted both defensive and offensive plans, with key defenders like Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal missing significant time. Offensively, the intended trio of Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe has rarely played together due to injuries.
Similarly, in the 2020-2021 season under Zinedine Zidane, defensive stalwarts such as Carvajal, Mendy, Raphael Varane, and Militao faced injuries, leaving Sergio Ramos as the sole reliable defender. Attacking options were also limited by the absences of Isco and Eden Hazard.
European Struggles
As the most decorated club in UEFA Champions League history, Real Madrid has occasionally faced group stage challenges. In the 2020-2021 season, they were grouped with Inter Milan, Borussia Monchengladbach, and Shakhtar Donetsk, securing advancement only in the final match.
This season mirrors that struggle, with losses to Lille, AC Milan, and Liverpool, resulting in 9 points from 6 matches and a 20th-place standing in the 36-team Champions League table. Advancement to the playoffs appears challenging.
Managerial Criticism
In the 2020-2021 season, despite underwhelming results, club president Florentino Perez intended to retain Zidane. However, relentless media criticism led to Zidane's departure.
Currently, Ancelotti faces similar media scrutiny, leading to tense exchanges in recent press conferences. Speculation suggests he may consider leaving at season's end.
La Liga Dynamics
In the 2020-2021 La Liga season, Atletico Madrid clinched the title after a prolonged contest with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
This season, despite a strong start under Hansi Flick, Real Madrid's recent decline has positioned Atletico as potential league leaders. Real Madrid, expected to capitalize on Barcelona's downturn, currently sits third.
Despite these parallels, Real Madrid supporters remain hopeful that returning players can steer the season toward a positive conclusion.