Real Madrid are now four points adrift from the top of the table after a disappointing draw to Levante. Have Real Madrid already put their La Liga title defense in jeopardy?
No, not really. A four point lead can evaporate in no time, and Real Madrid have been facing some unusual squad issues. Having a healthy and well-rested Cristiano Ronaldo back in Madrid’s lineup will do wonders.
Also, Barcelona have some serious issues that a few successful matches and a Lionel Messi hat-trick won’t cover up.
But Real Madrid certainly made the task much more difficult on themselves.
Real Madrid are already missing four points. The last time a La Liga title was decided by more than four points was 2012-2013, when Barca won with 100 points and Madrid managed a measly 85.
If Barca win this week, Madrid is four points adrift. The last time a La Liga title was decided by more than four points was 2012-2013.
— The Real Champs (@TheRealChampsFS) September 9, 2017
Keep in mind, this wasn’t four points dropped against the likes of Barcelona or Atletico Madrid. It was four points dropped against Valencia (an admittedly tough team), and a newly promoted side in Levante. That’s simply inexcusable.
Now, Real Madrid has little cushion for error when they do go to face the big teams. Losses against Atleti and Barca go from understandable to potentially fatal.
Whether it was Zinedine Zidane or Florentino Perez who ultimately decided that we could offload James Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata without bringing in another significant offensive signing, that decision is looking more and more like a mistake every day.
Real Madrid have to be kicking themselves for not seizing the momentum that they gained from their pre-season trophy-winning matches. Madrid thrashed Barcelona over two legs in the Spanish Super Cup, but have let that momentum slip through their hands. Barcelona were in a moment of crisis, and all Madrid had to do was keep the pressure on. But instead, they handed Barcelona a massive head-start in the race for the La Liga title.
Real Madrid fans are often very overreactive. I am trying to guard against those same emotions. Real Madrid have a great squad, Zidane is an excellent coach. This team knows how to rally itself to victory in any scenario.
But they have to stop making stupid mistakes. Madrid have to stop getting silly red cards every other match. Zidane needs to not be so cavalier with his lineups and start taking this title race seriously. Madrid’s stars need to avoid the complacency that often comes with this degree of competitive success. If they don’t, they could find this La Liga title completely out of reach before they know it.
Real Madrid can definitely still win the title. But now they’ve got their work cut out for them.
Next: Real Madrid 1 - 1 Levante - Quick take / hot take