Last season was one of the most demanding campaigns in recent history for Real Madrid, largely due to an overloaded calendar. The club was stretched to its limits, competing in seven different compet...
Last season was one of the most demanding campaigns in recent history for Real Madrid, largely due to an overloaded calendar.
The club was stretched to its limits, competing in seven different competitions and playing a staggering 68 matches across the season.
It was a record-breaking figure, one that placed immense physical and mental strain on the squad and forced constant rotation.
This season, however, that number is set to drop, bringing Madrid’s workload closer to what they have faced in previous years.
A drop in matches and performance
One of the key factors behind this reduced schedule is their elimination from the Copa del Rey.
While the early exit was a sporting disappointment that still stings inside the club, it has also had an unintended benefit.
Not competing in the cup means Real Madrid will avoid an additional three or four fixtures in the coming months.
There is also potential for further relief in Europe. If Madrid finish among the top eight teams in the Champions League group stage, they will bypass an extra knockout round.
That alone could remove another two games from an already packed calendar.
Taken together, the Copa del Rey exit and Champions League format could allow Real Madrid to save anywhere between three and six matches overall.
What next?
Real Madrid now have the advantage. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Later this week, Madrid face Benfica in their final Champions League group-stage fixture.
By the time that match is completed, the Spanish giants will have played 33 games in just 162 days. That works out to one match every 5.9 days.
From next Thursday onwards, the picture changes significantly. Real Madrid could then shift their full focus to La Liga, with no midweek distractions for a sustained period.
Over the following 69 days, they are scheduled to play nine league matches, meaning one game every 7.6 days until matchday 31.
This situation sums up what has been a bittersweet campaign so far. On one hand, the Copa del Rey elimination was a clear setback.
On the other, Real Madrid have positioned themselves among the elite in the Champions League and now enjoy a rare period of calendar relief.
If they go all the way to the Champions League final, Madrid would still end the season with around 57 matches played.
Category: General Sports
