LaLiga 2018/19 predictions: Are Barca set for another league title?

Real Madrid

Real were hoping for a better start to the post-Ronaldo era.

For the first time in almost a decade, Real will be without Cristiano Ronaldo. That almost guarantees 40-50 fewer goals a season and a 4-2 loss to city rivals in the UEFA Super Cup would definitely not have helped the team's morale.

Following Ronaldo's departure, it was speculated that Real were going to sign a superstar to replace the Portuguese. Eden Hazard, Chelsea's main man, was the prime target yet with just 12 days left for the Spanish transfer window to close, there are no signs of a new signing.

Apart from that, Real have lost key players such as Mateo Kovacic, a reliable back-up for any of their three first-choice midfielders, Theo Hernandez, and Achraf Hakimi has depleted the squad of the very depth that enabled former manager Zinedine Zidane to clinch three Champions League titles in a row.

What is astonishing is that no reinforcements for these losses have been made. Odriozola, a highly rated right back, joins as a back up for Dani Carvajal, despite that fact that Nacho has proven his reliability in any defensive position.

Thibaut Courtois' arrival has also complicated the situation with Real now having to deal with 5 goalkeepers in their squad.

Real Madrid Unveil New Signing Thibaut Courtois

Young Brazilia forward Vinicius Jr. is a very exciting prospect but is surely too young at the age of 18 to make a decent impact this season.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo's departure has promoted Gareth Bale to the role of the team's talisman. The Welsh forward has tremendous boots to fill but has had a good start to the campaign.

Benzema and Asensio, who would look to cement his place in the team after two really good campaigns under Zidane, look likely to start alongside Bale in attack this season.

With Luka Modric heavily linked to a move away from the Bernabeu this season, Real are in a desperate need of a few big name signings. This squad clearly lacks the depth that it needs to perform well both domestically, and in Europe. This was evident when they blew a 2-1 lead against Atletico in the Super Cup after Casemiro was forced off with an injury.

Manager Julen Lopetegui has a very tough task at hand this season. It is, however, not that surprising that a team that relied so heavily on a player needs some time to cope with his departure.

A couple of new signings would surely take the burden off the key players but it doesn't seem like there will be any. If Real are to push for a realistic title challenge this season then the entire squad will have to perform at their very best because their main title rivals, as we shall see ahead, have done some really smart business this season.