Real Madrid: Ranking the top 5 most likely losses on the rest of the 2021 schedule

Real Madrid will have an unenviable schedule after the November international break ends. Before the year 2021 closes, Los Blancos will have to face two more opponents in the Champions League, in addition to three of the other top four teams in La Liga. On top of that, Real must face Athletic Club, who are in 8th and always a difficult opponent, in December.

Which of the upcoming matches will be the most difficult for Real Madrid? Who are they likely to trip up against?

Let’s rank the five toughest matchups for Los Blancos, based on how likely they would be to lose outright.

5. Sheriff, Nov. 24

We begin with the only team on this list that has beaten Real Madrid before this season. Though Los Blancos did outplay Sheriff, they looked vulnerable at times and ended up falling 2-1. Last season, Real lost twice to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. This season, perhaps Sheriff will be the “pig” team for the Merengue club, though, of course, it must be said that Real did not play as poorly against Sheriff as they did in either loss to Shakhtar last year. Moreover, Real have defeated Shakhtar twice in this edition of the Champions League.

Still, Sheriff is the kind of opponent that can be very tricky for Los Blancos. They have been playing well in the group stages thus far, and they have Cristiano and Adama Traore. Seriously, these two players have three goal contributions each in the Champions League. Along with goalkeeper Georgios Athanasiadis, who was fabulous in the first match against Real Madrid, and Sebastien Thill (also three goal contributions), Sheriff have four players producing at a high level.

Los Blancos have already been warned once.