○On November 1, Real Madrid won against Valencia in Chamartín. The 4-0 win cemented their place at the top of La Liga, and the Clasico win gave them a five-point advantage over Barcelona. This was my farewell to the Bernabéu.The arrival of the NFL in the Spanish capital has forced the stadium to be used for the American show, but this was known in advance and Xabi Alonso’s side will be away from the stadium and fans until they host Celta next weekend.
This situation characterized Madrid’s calendar of six consecutive away games (four in La Liga and two in the Champions League). The game in San Mamés is still a long way off, but one thing is certain: the Whites have paid the price for their defection. There is no trace of the five points they earned against Barcelona. In fact, Hansi Flick’s side are currently one point ahead of Madrid. The gap between them and Atlético Madrid (8) and Villarreal (7) has now been reduced to 2 and 1 respectively.
Jude Bellingham will anger Real Madrid fans with this hug
Balance is limited to 3 times
Out of Real Madrid’s three league games, three have been draws. They drew three fields in Vallecas that could include doubts in their early-season account, but not in Elche and Girona. In their last three games, Xabi Alonso’s side have failed to take the lead on the scoreboard.
After a strong start to the Championship at home, they are now winless in four games away from the Bernabéu. This winning streak also includes a loss at Metropolitano at the end of September. Of their last five away games in La Liga, wins at Oviedo, San Sebastian and Levante, their only victory was a hard-fought 1-0 win at Getafe.
In the Champions League, Madrid escaped Athens with an important and reassuring victory, but there were many questions about how the second half would unfold. At half-time, with the score tied at 1-2, Xavi’s message was, “We have to kill them,” and it seemed as if the Olympiakos players were getting the hang of it.
The long trip away from the Bernabéu began at Anfield on November 4th. And it was at Liverpool that Madrid showed a subdued look that they have not been able to shake off since then.
San Mamés will end the painful journey that has befallen Madrid since they last played in Chamartín. “It’s a good opportunity to win away again,” Xabi Alonso said in the Montilivi press room. He didn’t need words to express how much he was looking forward to playing at the Santiago Bernabéu again.
