Real Madrid’s recent struggles in LaLiga have raised pressing questions about the team’s dependence on its star players and whether this approach is sustainable in the fiercely competitive league.
As the 2024/25 LaLiga season unfolds, Real Madrid has found itself grappling with consistency issues. Their recent defeat to Athletic Club at San Mamés is not just another loss but an indicator of deeper structural challenges. Currently sitting four points behind their arch-rivals, FC Barcelona, the loss has reignited debates about the club’s overreliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play. With players like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé carrying the offensive load, Real Madrid’s tactical gaps are becoming increasingly evident.
The match against Athletic Club showcased a troubling trend. Despite high-caliber talents, Madrid looked disjointed on the pitch. The first half was a tactical stalemate, with neither side producing significant chances. Yet, the Basque side capitalized on Madrid’s defensive lapses in the second half. An error by Federico Valverde led to the decisive goal, exposing the fragility of Madrid’s midfield structure under pressure. This reliance on star players to bail the team out of difficult situations has been both a blessing and a curse. Jude Bellingham’s goal streak, for instance, masked underlying issues, but it is clear that individual brilliance alone cannot sustain a title challenge.
What makes this problem more concerning is the context of LaLiga itself. The league has grown increasingly competitive, with mid-tier teams like Athletic Club and Real Sociedad frequently challenging the traditional powerhouses. Barcelona’s resurgence under Xavi, coupled with their ability to maintain depth despite injuries, contrasts starkly with Madrid’s struggles. While Barcelona thrives on collective effort and tactical flexibility, Madrid’s dependency on a handful of players leaves them vulnerable to injuries and poor form.
Part of the issue lies in Real Madrid’s roster construction. While the club has invested heavily in marquee signings like Mbappé, it has overlooked the development of squad depth. Players like Dani Ceballos and Brahim Díaz, while talented, haven’t been consistently integrated into the starting lineup. This lack of rotation not only exhausts key players but also limits the team’s tactical adaptability. In contrast, Barcelona’s ability to rotate players like Pedri and Gavi without sacrificing quality highlights the importance of squad depth in modern football.
Another challenge is Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical approach. Known for his adaptability, Ancelotti has struggled to find a system that optimally balances Madrid’s star-studded lineup. The midfield trio of Valverde, Bellingham, and Tchouaméni has shown promise but lacks the cohesion needed to dominate games consistently. Defensive lapses, like those seen against Athletic Club, further underscore the need for a more disciplined and organized backline.
Interestingly, this overreliance on star players is not new for Real Madrid. Historically, the club has built its identity around Galácticos—superstars capable of producing moments of magic. While this philosophy has brought success, it has also made the team overly dependent on individual performances, often at the expense of tactical innovation. The current situation seems to be a modern iteration of this age-old dilemma. The question, however, is whether this approach can still deliver in an era where collective effort often trumps individual brilliance.
Looking ahead, the onus is on Real Madrid to address these challenges if they are to remain competitive in LaLiga and beyond. Strengthening squad depth should be a priority in the upcoming transfer windows. Integrating young talents like Arda Güler into the first team could provide the creativity and energy needed to complement the established stars. Additionally, Ancelotti must recalibrate his tactics to maximize the potential of the roster while minimizing reliance on key players.
Real Madrid’s storied history is built on resilience and reinvention. While this season has exposed cracks in their foundation, it also presents an opportunity to evolve. By embracing a more balanced and collective approach, the club can not only address its current struggles but also lay the groundwork for sustained success in the future.
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References: Real Madrid make fools of themselves against Athletic Club and move away from Barça in LaLiga
