Real Madrid 2-1 Villarreal: 5 talking points as reigning champions fail to defend title despite  comeback win | La Liga 2020-21

#3 Real Madrid go trophyless for the first time since 2009-10 campaign

Real Madrid v Villarreal CF - La Liga Santander

Real Madrid fought hard in La Liga to keep their title hopes alive and took the title race to the wire, but despite giving it their all, they failed to defend their title. Atletico Madrid also recorded a comeback win at Valladolid to become the Spanish Champions.

While the hosts would be content to have gone down fighting with a remarkable win over Villarreal, the loss condemned the capital club to a trophyless campaign.

Real Madrid fail to win a single trophy in a season for the first time since 2009-10 🤭Tough times. pic.twitter.com/BFWUAGxJcT

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 22, 2021

This is the first season since the 2009-10 campaign that Real Madrid have failed to add silverware to their trophy cabinet. Last season it was Barcelona who went trophyless and this season it was Real Madrid's turn. All we can say is that the duopoly of Barcelona and Real is certainly facing a stiff challenge in the Spanish top-flight.

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#2 Karim Benzema puts in another fantastic shift to show why he earned a call-up from France after six years

Real Madrid v Villarreal CF - La Liga Santander

Karim Benzema returned to his goalscoring ways tonight as he scored the equalising goal for Real Madrid and set up the winner five minutes later. The Frenchman also came close to equalisng in the 55th minute but his perfectly-timed header was ruled offside by the thinnest of margins.

The 33-year-old ended the season with 23 goals in the league and also notched nine assists. Only Lionel Messi scored more goals this season. The player recently received a call-up from his national side after a gap of sixyears and single-handedly orchestrated a comeback win for Real Madrid tonight. All we can say is that the call-up is well deserved.

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#1 Zinedine Zidane's time up at Real Madrid?

Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane led Real Madrid to the La Liga title last season after they produced a string of remarkable results when the league action resumed post the COVID-19-induced break. But this season, the club failed to find their mojo and endured a drought..

The French coach cannot be held completely responsible for the struggles because the club did not make any new signings under him and the team over 60 injuries throughout the season. The Madrid giants, however, have a strict policy when it comes to managers who do not win trophies.

Zinedine Zidane is set to leave Real Madrid after their first trophyless season since 2009/10. ❌🏆 pic.twitter.com/6BzihIhqSF

— Football Tweet (@Football__Tweet) May 22, 2021

Rumours have already started circulating suggesting that a decision has already been made about Zidane's future. But we need to wait for the final confirmation on whether Zidane's second stint has reached its conclusion.