This stat shows exactly how bad Real Madrid’s defense has been this season
By Ben Sundock
We Real Madrid fans know that this has been a campaign to forget. The lack of an out and out goalscorer coupled with the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo has left Los Blancos in third in La Liga and out of the Champions League in the round of 16. This stat shows us why the team has struggled so mightly.
Through 50 matches in all competitions, Real Madrid has the worst defensive record of any team in Spain’s top division. Despite signing Thibaut Courtois for big money in the summer, Real has now conceded 62 goals.
After conceding one goal in their win over Eibar last weekend, Madrid is in last behind last-place Huesca who has conceded 61 goals in nearly half the matches (32).
In the five different competitions they have participated in, Los Blancos are giving up, on average, at least a goal per match.
"“Broken down by competition, Real Madrid’s goals-against count reads as follows: 37 in LaLiga (an average of 1.19 per game), 10 in the Champions League (1.25), 9 in the Copa del Rey (1.12), 2 in the UEFA Super Cup (2) and 2 in the Club World Cup (1).”"
Courtois was supposed to be that guy that helped Keylor Navas share the load. With debate raging at the beginning of the year as to who would be the regular starter, it is clear that Navas has been the better.
In 17 matches, the Costa Rican has allowed 18 goals (1.05 per game) while Courtois has conceded 42 goals in 32 matches (1.31 per game).
Looking at this comparison and reflecting on the season to date, I can’t think of a match this season where Courtois blew me away. Navas, on the other hand, has had several star-worthy performances, including in his the matches he has started under Zinedine Zidane since his return.
The blame should not fall squarely on the shoulders of Courtois or Navas. Defenders Marcelo and Nacho Fernandez have had terrible seasons where they have not been able to track back and cover counter attacks like they are expected to.
Blame can also be placed on former managers Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari for their lack of tactics and continuity amongst the players.
Next. Does this news mean James Rodriguez is returning to Real Madrid?. dark
Would this season have been different with Zidane at the helm? I don’t think so.
There are so many internal problems at the club and the lack of big signings in the summer have all led to this point.