Real Madrid: 5 burning questions after frantic draw with Monchengladbach

How do Real Madrid look in their group?

Real Madrid are currently last in Group B. Shakhtar Donetsk lead the way with four points, and Borussia Monchengladbach and Inter Milan have two apiece. Los Blancos are the only team with a loss and, therefore, the only team with a negative goal differential.

Cue the Europa League memes.

No, I don’t think Real Madrid are going to the Europa League. Far from it. My prediction is that they will pull it together and win the group. I don’t think highly of the other clubs in the group, with the exception of Monchengladbach. Shakhtar has talent but should not finish ahead of Real. If they do, Real can consider this group stage campaign a disaster. Inter is filled with overrated players and is basically propped up by Romelu Lukaku and now Achraf Hakimi. Gladbach is dangerous, but they don’t have the quality Real does.

I think Real’s chances still look good. They are notorious slow-starters, but, under Zinedine Zidane, they always find a way. But I am not naive. I believe there is cause for concern, but mild concern. There is no need to panic or exaggerate; Real Madrid have quality and still control their own destiny. Let us not forget the role injuries have played, too. Dani Carvajal is more important than you may think.