Real Madrid’s weekly resilience will be key to winning La Liga

Real Madrid has been impressive this season, but it’s more than just the statistics and quality on the pitch that has been key to the team’s success.

Ever since Zinedine Zidane came back to Real Madrid last summer, the expectation was silverware. Now with 15 matches remaining, we take a look at what has separated Real Madrid from the rest of the pack and why it will be key to hoisting the La Liga trophy in a few months time.

Real Madrid’s pre-season was so shaky the Richter scale struggled to find a reading on Zidane’s men. The summer transfer window welcomed several fresh faces, all of whom were supposed to take Madrid to the next level. That all seemed far from the truth though as Madrid stumbled in the International Champions Cup, including a 7-1 thumping at the hands of Atletico Madrid.

Fast forward several months and when the two met once again. Real Madrid pulled off a dominant performance which included walking away with all three points after the lone goal being scored by Karim Benzema.

Tactics and chemistry have improved, there is no question about that. But, it’s Real Madrid’s resiliency and grit that has taken this team to the next level. Madrididsimo if you will.

Last week Madrid was kicked out of the Copa Del Rey, an unlikely result at the hands of Real Sociedad. With one trophy now unattainable, the focus on the league is even greater.

What stands out about that loss is how the team recovered in their next match against Osasuna. Despite conceding a goal less than 15 minutes into the match, Madrid bounced back quickly and didn’t look back as they dominated the stat sheet in all the right ways.

Ferland Mendy is making his case as to why he may be the best summer signing, while Luka Jovic rifled home a sweet volley. The team looks more cohesive than it has in a long time. From back to front, there is a different fluidity that exists even amongst players who have recently arrived or are now getting their chance to strut their stuff.

This Real Madrid team has shown it has the mental tenacity to persevere through hard times, which will give them a fighting chance to win La Liga.