Mid-season La Liga title race review: Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid

3. Real Madrid

Real Madrid have had more of a calm season, with one of the most expensive lineups in football history sitting third in La Liga, 5 points away from the joint League leaders. They have won 14 La Liga fixtures this season out of the 18 they have played, but cannot afford any more slip ups if they are to be in the race for the crown.

With record signing Gareth Bale joining the Los Blancos, it was expected that Real Madrid would be unstoppable and terrifying, which didn’t happen earlier in the season. The much hyped El Clasico derby resulted in a 2-1 win towards the Catalans with Bale’s dismal performance on the pitch raising some eyebrows. However, Bale has managed to pick up, with 7 goals and 7 assists in 8 starts so far.

Their season started with very strong rumours that Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to return to Manchester United, but all was put to rest when he signed a new contract. Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa caused an upset for the Bernabeu crowd, after his first half strike emerged as the lone goal of the game, giving Atletico Madrid a much needed win against their cross-town rivals.

Defensive problems emerged in the team, but Ancelotti considered his forwards to compensate for any losses. Karim Benzema’s abysmal form this season, as well as veteran midfielder Xabi Alonso’s injury have been some of the other major happenings in the Madrid dressing room this season. With Alonso now fully recovered, and his contract nearing its end, it has been reported that he has been offered by Madrid to both Manchester City and Manchester United, in the current January transfer window. Khedira, Morata and Di Maria have also been linked with moves away from the Bernabeu.

Tops and Flops

Benzema has been unexpectedly below par this season, with him attracting whistles and boos from his own supporters. However, Bale seems to have picked up the pace and is contributing increasingly in every game. Ronaldo looks set for his second Ballon D’ Or with some amazing displays and goals. Midfielder Khedira suffered an injury during the international break, leaving Illaramendi and Casemiro to deputize for him, with Xabi Alonso restricted to limited appearances.

Isco, particularly has done well in his debut season with the Los Blancos, scoring six good goals this season. Sergio Ramos has not quite impressed in defense, by increasing his career red cards to 18, thus getting some stick from his own coach as well as supporters. Goalkeeper Diego Lopez is gradually impressing of late, unlike current No. 1 Iker Casillas, who is the man between the sticks in the UCL games and is performing exceedingly well in every game.

Transfer Rumours

Iker Casillas to Arsenal, Pepe to Manchester City, Khedira to Chelsea, Angel Di Maria to AS Monaco, Alvaro Morata to Arsenal

Overall Rating: 8/10