Real Madrid: The 5 most important games left in 2020

Real Madrid vs. Borussia Monchengladbach, Champions League, Dec. 9

Real Madrid were not at their worst against Borussia Monchengladbach at the Borussia-Park, but they were still pretty fortunate to save a point from that match. Gladbach’s forward duo of Alassane Plea and Marcus Thuram were efficient and intelligent, putting Real down 2-0 with their attacking movement and end product in the final third.

But Real turned it around after Eden Hazard and Luka Modric entered the match, completing a furious comeback so that the scoreline read 2-2 at the end of stoppage time.

A home match against Gladbach seems easier on paper, but there will be a lot of pressure on Real Madrid in December for this final group stage match of the 2020-2021 UEFA Champions League. Because this might end up being a match Real have to win in order to avoid being sent down to the Europa League, which would be a catastrophic scenario for Zinedine Zidane and the club.

Real must be perfect in the Champions League from here on out, but there’s a chance no game in the first half of the season carries more weight than this home fixture against Gladbach. Against players like Thuram, Plea, and Breel Embolo, one mistake, one defensive switch-off, will be punished accordingly. I’ve said that Inter Milan are Real’s toughest group stage opponents, but I would more than listen to a case for Gladbach.