3 reasons why Real Madrid could win the LaLiga this season

Modified Nov 26, 2019 14:09 GMT

Could Madrid be celebrating their record-extending 34th Liga title in 2019-20

2. New-found defensive solidity

Real Madrid v Galatasaray: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Real Madrid started the LaLiga season with a pair of wins and draws home and away before producing their first clean sheet of the season in a hard-fought 1-0 win at Sevilla, where the Whites have traditionally struggled to eke out favourable results.

The 33-time Liga champions soon made it three clean sheets on the trot after beating Osasuna 2-0 at home and playing out a goalless stalemate at cross-town rivals Atletico.

Madrid had 12 clean-sheets in the entirety of last season but already have 6 clean-sheets in 13 games this season. Captain Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane have struck a formidable partnership at the heart of the Madrid defence, putting up a series of inspired performances to break up opposition attacks.

Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois is also having a better season after a forgettable debut in 2018-19, as is evident in the lanky custodian keeping 5 clean sheets in the Liga. Only four other keepers in the Liga this season have kept more clean sheets than the Belgian.

Following a string of criticisms, both warranted and unwarranted, for his early performances with the club, Courtois is finally beginning to display the kind of form which enticed Madrid to acquire his services from Premier League side Chelsea.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 18 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Vishal Subramanian