As the final minutes ticked away at Alfredo Di Stefano, Real Madrid found themselves trailing 0-1 against Villarreal in a match that held monumental significance. A must-win for Los Blancos, the clock was running fast, and with only three minutes remaining, Karim Benzema stepped up to deliver a moment of hope with a clinical finish from the edge of the box. The goal levelled the score, and in stoppage time, Luka Modric unleashed a brilliant strike to give Real Madrid a vital lead. The victory, however, was bittersweet, as Atletico Madrid triumphed over Real Valladolid, sealing the La Liga title and leaving Real Madrid to reflect on what might have been.
The 2020-21 season marked Real Madrid’s 117th year in
existence and their 90th consecutive season in the top flight of Spanish
football. Despite competing across multiple fronts—the Copa del Rey, Supercopa
de Espana, and the UEFA Champions League—the season ultimately ended in
disappointment. Real Madrid’s early exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of
Alcoyano, a Champions League semifinal loss to Chelsea, and their failure to
clinch the La Liga title, all added to the frustration of a season without
silverware.
It was the first time in 11 years that Real Madrid finished
a season without a trophy, a stark contrast to their historical dominance. The
last time this occurred was in 2010-11, when they were eliminated by Alcorcon
in the Copa del Rey and fell to Lyon in the Champions League Round of 16. For a
club like Real Madrid, where winning trophies is part of its DNA, a season
without titles is a blow to the collective ego of its fans and supporters.
The Cost of Missed
Opportunities
While Real Madrid's season may be remembered for its lack of
trophies, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the significant moments that
contributed to their downfall. The loss of points to lower-ranked teams proved
costly, and the defeats against Cadiz (1-0), Valencia (4-1), Deportivo Alaves
(2-1), and the draw against Elche (2-2) in the final match of the season were
particularly painful. These results, especially when combined with the 0-0 draw
against Getafe in the crucial stages of the title race, haunted Real Madrid’s
chances.
Injuries and the impact of COVID-19 further compounded the
difficulties faced by Zinedine Zidane, who saw key players sidelined throughout
the campaign. The team’s struggles with depth were apparent, and Zidane was
forced to make do with limited options in several matches. Yet, despite these
setbacks, Zidane and his squad fought until the very end, maintaining a sense
of unity and determination that was evident in their performances.
Resilience Amidst
Adversity
While the trophy cabinet may remain empty, Real Madrid’s
season was far from devoid of merit. The character and resilience displayed by
the team throughout the campaign cannot be overlooked. Despite suffering 62
injury setbacks, Real Madrid’s refusal to give up was a testament to their
fighting spirit. Time and again, when the odds were stacked against them, they
stood tall, focused on their target, and continued to battle.
The development of key players such as Eder Militao, who
filled the massive shoes of Sergio Ramos in central defense, was one of the
bright spots of the season. Lucas Vazquez emerged as a versatile and reliable
performer, while Nacho Fernandez proved his worth under pressure. Fede
Valverde’s adaptability, particularly in playing as a right-back, showcased his
all-around brilliance, and the emergence of younger talents like Vinicius
Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Marco Asensio offered hope for the future.
Individual Performances:
A Testament to Excellence
While Real Madrid’s collective efforts were commendable,
individual performances stood out as well. Casemiro, who made 46 appearances
across all competitions, was a central figure in the team’s midfield. His 13
goal involvements (seven goals, six assists) were a career-best, and his
defensive contributions—151 tackles and interceptions—were crucial in shielding
the defence. With a tackle success rate of 40% and 62 interceptions in La Liga,
Casemiro was a key player in Real Madrid’s midfield, providing stability and
balance.
Luka Modric, ever the maestro, continued to defy age with an
outstanding season. With 48 appearances, including 80% of the team’s La Liga
minutes, Modric’s passing accuracy (86.9%) and his ability to make progressive
passes (208) underscored his importance. His seven goal-creating actions in La
Liga further demonstrated his influence in the attacking phase.
Toni Kroos, perhaps the most consistent midfielder for Real
Madrid this season, was involved in 15 goals (three goals, 12 assists) and
played a pivotal role in orchestrating the team’s attacks. With a pass
completion rate of nearly 90% in La Liga, Kroos’ ability to pick out teammates
in dangerous positions was instrumental to Real Madrid’s play.
In goal, Thibaut Courtois proved his worth with 22 clean
sheets across all competitions. His save success rate of 81.1% in La Liga,
along with 17 clean sheets in the league, highlighted his importance to the
team. Courtois’ consistency between the posts was a rare bright spot in a
season marked by defensive struggles and injuries.
Upfront, Karim Benzema was the undoubted hero. The French
striker finished as Real Madrid’s top scorer with 23 goals in all competitions,
contributing significantly in both La Liga and the Champions League. Benzema’s
ability to lead the line, particularly in the absence of other attacking
options, was crucial to Real Madrid’s ability to stay competitive. His xG of
22.8 and xA of 8.1 demonstrated his all-around contribution to the team’s
offensive play.
Zidane’s Tactical
Mastery
Zinedine Zidane’s tactical acumen was put to the test
throughout the season, and despite the challenges, he remained a steadying
influence. His ability to adapt to the team’s changing circumstances, whether
due to injuries or lack of depth, was a testament to his managerial expertise.
Zidane’s leadership ensured that the squad remained united, even when the
prospect of silverware seemed distant.
The Frenchman’s ability to maintain harmony within the
squad, while also ensuring that key players like Modric, Kroos, and Benzema
continued to perform at a high level, was a significant achievement. Zidane’s
tactical flexibility, even in the face of adversity, kept Real Madrid
competitive until the very last match of the season.
Conclusion: A Season
of Unfulfilled Potential
While the 2020-21 season ended without trophies, it was far
from a failure for Real Madrid. The team’s resilience, the development of young
talents, and the individual brilliance of players like Casemiro, Modric, Kroos,
and Benzema ensured that the campaign was not devoid of merit. Zidane’s
tactical brilliance and leadership in the face of adversity further solidified
his status as one of the best managers in the world.
Real Madrid’s season may be remembered as one of missed
opportunities, but it also served as a reminder of the club’s enduring spirit
and ability to fight until the end. As they look to the future, Real Madrid can
take pride in the character they exhibited this season and remain hopeful that,
with the right reinforcements, they will return to the summit of Spanish and
European football in the seasons to come.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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