Madrid Universal
·28 November 2024
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Yahoo sportsMadrid Universal
·28 November 2024
Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League journey took a significant hit as they endured a disappointing performance against Liverpool at Anfield.
This defeat marked their third loss in five group stage games, a rare occurrence for the reigning champions. The loss not only highlighted their struggles this season but also saw them set two undesirable records in the competition.
Firstly, Real Madrid became the first reigning Champions League winners to lose three group stage matches after lifting the trophy the previous season.
This statistic alone underlines how far they have fallen from their high standards. The team’s struggles to find consistency have left them in a precarious position, making it nearly impossible for them to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Secondly, Madrid recorded just 37% possession during the game against Liverpool. This is the lowest possession they have ever had in a group stage match in the Champions League.
Real Madrid have two unwanted records to their name. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
It symbolised a team that lacked control, cohesion, and the ability to impose themselves on the game. Liverpool dominated proceedings, making Madrid look uncharacteristically passive and disorganised.
The match itself was filled with missed opportunities and costly mistakes. Kylian Mbappe, who was expected to be a game-changer, had an off night, including a missed penalty that could have turned the tide when the score was still 1-0.
The missed chance proved crucial, as Liverpool capitalised on Madrid’s inefficiencies to seal a convincing victory.
Despite some decent saves from Thibaut Courtois, they were not enough to mask the team’s defensive vulnerabilities and lack of attacking spark.
This defeat to Liverpool has left Madrid exposed, as their European campaign now hangs by a thread. For a club of Real Madrid’s stature, such performances are a harsh reminder that even the most successful teams can falter when consistency and determination are missing.