4 reasons Real Madrid historically struggle to win La Liga
Reason 4 – Focus on Europe
I have previously written about the changing definition of success at Real Madrid, and how since the 1960s, Real Madrid have become less interested in league titles and more interested in European glory. The recent era has seen Real Madrid’s most impressive European haul since Alfredo Di Stefano and yet our league trophy haul is as bad as its ever been.
Some would make the argument that Barcelona have been able to maintain their dominance in Spain and still challenge in Europe. To this, I would counter that Real Madrid have seven more Europeans Cups than Barcelona and five more than any other team in the competition. They have become the first ever side to the retain the Champions League in its modern form and the current crop of players will retire as one of the greatest side ever to play in Champions League history.
This club has a unique relationship with the European Cup and I have no doubt that if Real Madrid finish the season with a 13th European title, not many Madridistas would be complaining about where we finished in the league, if you dont believe me, look at where we have finished in previous years.
Real Madrid’s league finishes in Champions League Winning Campaigns
2016/17-1st
2015/16-2nd
2013/14-3rd
2001/02-3rd
1999/00– 5th
1997/98-4th
Conclusions
I could probably go on and on about why Real Madrid haven’t had much success in La Liga in recent years. From Barcelona’s rise as a consistent challenger, to trouble within, Real Madrid have struggled to find a happy medium in recent decades. There are reasons to be a optimistic, however. Despite being top of La Liga, Barcelona still aren’t in a comfortable position going into the future.
It was perhaps naive of Madrid fans to believe that perennial title winners like Messi, Inestia and co would suddenly lose their hunger after a diabolic transfer window, however, outside of the remnants of their golden generation, the future is still pretty bleak. Their El Clásico squad didn’t feature a player under the age of 23 and Lionel Messi is responsible for nearly half of their league goals this season. As Barcelona have gotten their opportunity to dominant Spain over the last decade or so, Real Madrid will soon be offered theirs, it just a matter of whether Real Madrid will take it or not.
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