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#2. Real Madrid
The Los Blancos endured a wretched first quarter of the season which culminated in a 5-1 El Clasico drubbing and the subsequent sacking of Julen Lopetegui. Though his successor, Santi Solari, has instilled some sort of stability since then, they still look a far cry from their all-conquering selves.
In the month of February, Real Madrid bowed out of the Copa Del Rey to Barcelona while their hopes of a league title were also dashed by their eternal rivals at the weekend.
However, the silver lining for Los Blancos could be that they can now solely focus on winning an unprecedented 4th successive Champions League. However, that task is easier said than done.
Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, Real Madrid has missed a goal-scoring edge in the final third. While the approach play has been impressive in recent weeks, their inability to stick the ball into the back of the net has put undue pressure on the more troublesome areas of the pitch.
The Los Blancos’ rear-guard has looked shaky all season and they’ve conceded more than a goal a game on average. Their failure to keep things tight at the back coupled with an attack lacking incision has resulted in several sub-par performances.
Though Real Madrid is relatively well-placed in the Champions League, they still don’t inspire the confidence to go all the way this term. As the continental competition enters the final straight, Solari’s men are going to have to tackle much sterner propositions.
And unfortunately, they just don’t seem capable of thwarting everything the Champions League is capable of throwing at them.
Hence, Real Madrid is one of my picks to finish the season on a low.
