Home defeat to Getafe was not in anyone’s plans at Real Madrid. Arbeloa’s arrival on the bench had brought greater consistency, at least in La Liga, and the team managed to wrestle top spot from Barcelona. But in the space of just two rounds, everything has unraveled: Madrid have suffered back-to-back losses – against Osasuna (2–1) and Getafe (0–1) – and where they once led by two points, they now trail by four. In other words, they are back where they stood when Xabi Alonso was dismissed and Arbeloa stepped in.
There are four points to claw back, with 36 still available and a trip to Camp Nou on Matchday 35 circled in red. Yet right now Madrid cannot afford to gaze too far ahead. The entire focus narrows to a 12-day stretch between Friday’s clash with Celta and the return leg of the Champions League round of 16.
LaLiga comes first. Barcelona travel to San Mamés next – traditionally a daunting venue and, until recently, viewed as a chance for Madrid to extend their lead. That outlook has changed dramatically. Now it is imperative to win in Vigo on Friday to apply pressure, then hope for a slip from Flick’s side in Bilbao to close the gap, even if catching them outright is not yet possible. In the best-case scenario, Madrid would finish the round just one point behind Barcelona.
That, however, requires victory at Balaídos – no simple task. Celta already stunned the Bernabéu earlier this season in a game that effectively sealed Alonso’s fate. Now Madrid must respond in a far more complicated context: Mbappé will not be available, nor will Bellingham, Carreras, Huijsen or Mastantuono. Half the defense is suspended, the other half has struggled with recurring injuries. Their primary attacking weapon is sidelined. However you frame it, the slope is far steeper.
Whistles for everyone
And that is merely the prelude to the Champions League, where Manchester City await. Even if they are not enjoying their finest campaign, they arrive as favorites over two legs. City will host the return match and have already beaten Madrid this season in the league phase of Europe’s premier competition. Between those ties – set for March 11 and March 17 – comes a home game against Elche. On paper, Madrid are heavy favorites; on paper, they were in the first meeting as well, and the side from Elche escaped with a 2–2 draw that could have been worse.
From March 6 to March 17, Madrid’s season hangs in the balance. They do not know whether Mbappé will return in time. The team has yet to rediscover fluency or consistency. The injury list remains stubbornly long. And the mood around the club is souring: against Getafe, the jeers were widespread, aimed at everyone – the locker room, the coaching staff and the directors’ box. Four wins from the next four games – two in La Liga and two in the Champions League – could turn whistles into applause. If not, the campaign may stretch painfully on, threatening to become a second straight season without major silverware.
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