Is Real Madrid on the decline? Fans of the club and the sport will likely overlook that question, but it certainly deserves to be considered.
The team's record over the last decade is no secret to anyone, but it is far from complimentary to the club. Since winning its last Champions League title in 2002, the team has failed to win a single Champions League trophy; in fact, a finals appearance has not been accomplished either. Copa Del Rey victories in that span? Just one in 2011. The team has fared better in the Spanish League with four titles in the past decade, but it has only achieved the feat once in the last five years. The question is not whether Madrid is an elite side. Compared to the rest of the world, the team surely is. But is Madrid still in the upper echelon of sides expected to be title contenders year after year? The team has not been able to give an affirmative answer over the last few years and still needs to answer that very question this year.
Many believe that the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti will prove to be the key difference, but thus far it has not been. While it is true that five games do not define a season, they certainly say a great deal about what to expect. And what those five games have told viewers and fans is that Los Blancos are not quite an elite team just yet. The club would have likely drew 1-1 against recently promoted Elche if not for a controversial penalty in the latter stages of extra time that went longer than it was supposed to (the referee called for four minutes but did not blow the whistle until seven had passed). The performance was tough to stomach, especially when one considers that a trip to Elche should have been looked at as a sure victory for the club when the schedule was announced.
The same was probably said about the team's earlier game against Villarreal; another team making a return to the first division. But in that game, Madrid managed to blow a 2-1 lead built by Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo and drew 2-2.
Most will point to the fact that Madrid remains at a record of five wins and one draw, a vast improvement over last year's disastrous season. However, some of those wins certainly hint at reasons for concern. The opener against Real Betis was a warm-up of sorts, but the 4-1 win over Getafe a few weeks ago featured an early goal conceded by Los Blancos. The 6-1 win over Galatasaray in the Champions League was certainly not what the score makes it out to be. Madrid struggled to find its form throughout the opening 45 minutes and if not for some great saves from Iker Casillas and Diego Lopez, the game likely ends differently. Isco's goal spun momentum in Madrid's favor as it forced Galatasaray to chase the game; something the team was clearly not ready for. However, the Turkish side is hardly the greatest opponent Madrid is expected to face and that alone could make the difference. What happens when Madrid actually takes on a team of its caliber or better?
That question will get its first response on Saturday when Los Blancos host Atletico Madrid, a team that is undefeated and has looked like the bigger brother of the Spanish capital this season. Los Colchoneros took down Real Madrid in the Spanish Copa del Rey Final last season and could be looking for a second straight derby victory. A victory for Atletico in this game could symbolize the passing of the torch. A win could simply prove that Los Blancos might be finding a way to get back to title contender status.
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