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Real Madrid, the team which is considered as one of the dominant forces among the top five European leagues are now falling behind in the race to win the silverware this season. They are the only team to win a Champions League Finals three times in a row. It was the last season that the club's efforts were lauded by everyone and this season their fortunes seem to have changed. After getting thrashed by Barcelona (1-5) and defeats against Levante and Eibar, they are currently ranked 6th in La Liga and need to act quickly to contest for the silverware.
Although they top the group in Champions League this season, their performances have been below par. They have been hit hard by the departure of some of the big names of the club. With the arrival of a new manager and his new tactics doesn't look to cope up with the club's playing style. Here are the 5 reasons that could have affected the downfall.
#5 Sidelining Keylor Navas
The Costa Rican goal stopper was one of the key players for the past few seasons. Despite ageing 31, he is quick and has sharp reflexes, which could give any keeper a run for their money at this age. He made a significant impact on the team denying the opposition on numerous occasions.
Navas has been replaced by Thibaut Courtois, whose arrival from Chelsea this season raised many eyebrows as De Gea, Spain's national team goalkeeper was lined up for a move to Spain. Courtois is not able to replicate the heroics of Chelsea for Madrid. With the arrival of the young keeper, Navas had to make his way out and that is costing Real Madrid badly. It is unlikely that Navas gets a chance ahead of Courtois, who needs to recapture his form quickly for Real Madrid to find themselves challenging for the silverware this season.
#4 Constant search for a striker
Real Madrid has always been active in the transfer market looking for a striker. Many forwards such as Eden Hazard, Kylian Mbappe, Mohamed Salah and Neymar have been linked up with a move to this club but nothing has finalized yet. Real Madrid has Benzema leading the forward line while Bale and Isco can also fill in the role. However, none of them have won over Solari as of yet. Bale and Isco have been looking out for a move elsewhere for the same reason and the club is trying hard to tie them down with a contract.
#3 Zidane resigning as manager
The mastermind of this team for the past few seasons has put down his papers after winning the Champions League last season. This came as a shock to everyone as nobody expects a manager to leave his job immediately after winning 3 Champions League finals in a row.
Julen Lopetegui, then Spain’s national team manager, was appointed as the manager of Real Madrid and was sacked immediately from Spain’s Managerial duties a week before the World Cup. With a string of bad performances, he was sacked again from Real's duties. Now, Real has appointed Santiago Solari, who is trying hard to stabilize the fall.
#2 Departure of Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, a man around which entire Real Madrid team revolved, now plays for Juventus. A five-time Ballon d'Or winner's departure has left a big void in the team. With the tricky skill and speed he has, it is difficult for anyone to replace him in the team. Ronaldo played a pivotal role in last season's Champions League win against Liverpool.
Juventus, on the other hand, have not lost a single game since the arrival of Ronaldo. With all done, Real Madrid needs to find someone who can fill in his shoes in the team.
#1 Self-Confidence
With the departure of Ronaldo and Zidane prior to this season, the team’s morale has gone down and the team has started to look fragile with the oppositions making inroads of their defence. Madrid are currently placed 6th at the moment in LaLiga and are currently out of the race for securing a berth in Champions League next season. New manager, Solari has to work on the team's tactics and formation to get them back onto the winning ways.
With half of the season almost done, they need to act quickly to regain momentum and crawl their way to challenge the silverware.
