5 reasons why it is tough to be a Real Madrid Galactico

4) Coping with added pressure

Iker Casillas has been a target for managers and fans alike during his career at Real Madrid

When you assemble the best players, there is always pressure on them and the team to perform well and win trophies on a consistent basis. There is so much expectation on these players that the weight of it alone can bring them down. During the first Galacticos era, there was some initial success, but it was short lived and the rise of Barcelona made it even more difficult for Real Madrid.

Over the years, the decline in the team’s on-field performances became more and more prominent and in the 2005/06 season, Real Madrid exited the Champions League in the Round of 16 against Arsenal without even scoring in either leg of the match.

The first Galactico era ended as a failure as a majority of the players could not handle the pressure to perform and eventually by the end of the 2006/07 season, most of the original Galacticos left the club and Real Madrid had to start from scratch.

5) Individual rivalries with FC Barcelona players

Ronaldinho stole the limelight from a star-studded Real Madrid side on his own

It doesn’t matter how much money Real Madrid splash on players and how hard they try, there is always a comparison between individual players from both sides. During the first Galactico era, the brilliance of Ronaldinho single-handedly tore apart the star-studded Real Madrid side. He was so good that even the Real Madrid fans at the Bernabeu applauded him after a wonderful goal in the Clasico.

In the current scenario, when Real Madrid signed Cristiano Ronaldo, the biggest rivalry of football originated between the Portuguese star and Lionel Messi, and that rivalry still continues. Similarly, last season Barcelona signed Neymar and Real Madrid matched the signing by bringing in Gareth Bale.

There were comparisons between Bale and Neymar and as expected Bale won the first round by helping Real Madrid to a cup double. But Neymar is leading the second round with his vastly improved second season at Barcelona. This season Barcelona signed Luis Suarez and Real Madrid signed James Rodriguez and there have been arguments throughout the season about who has been the better signing.

This constant comparison and competition with FC Barcelona players is another reason why it is difficult to be a Galactico.