Real Madrid’s 2020-21 Campaign: A Season of Resilience, Unyielding Effort, and Tactical Mastery

 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 

El Clásico: A Rivalry Reignited

 

For years, El Clásico has been a stage where legends are born, and rivalries transcend the ordinary. Critics who lamented the supposed waning of its intensity in the post-Messi-Ronaldo era have been proven wrong time and again. No matter the generation, the fiery spirit of this clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona endures, fueled by history, pride, and the relentless pursuit of supremacy. 

This time, it was Real Madrid who walked into the Camp Nou as underdogs, battered by criticism and weighed down by back-to-back defeats against Cádiz and Shakhtar Donetsk. Barcelona, buoyed by their commanding Champions League victory, seemed poised to capitalize on Los Blancos’ vulnerabilities. Yet, in the cauldron of Camp Nou, where narratives are rewritten and reputations forged, Zinedine Zidane’s men rose to the occasion. 

A Tactical Chessboard 

Zidane, under fire after Real Madrid’s recent struggles, approached this game with a pragmatic mindset. Injuries had left him with limited options, particularly at right-back. Nacho Fernández started but was soon replaced by Lucas Vázquez, a winger turned makeshift defender, tasked with containing the precocious Ansu Fati. Sergio Ramos, returning from injury, brought much-needed stability to the backline. 

The French tactician opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Casemiro anchoring the midfield alongside the industrious Federico Valverde and the ever-reliable Toni Kroos. In attack, Karim Benzema was flanked by Vinícius Júnior and Marco Asensio, both instructed to exploit Barcelona’s defensive frailties during transitions. 

A Frenetic First Half 

The game began with a bang, showcasing the unrelenting pace and drama that define El Clásico. Within five minutes, Real Madrid struck the first blow. Benzema’s incisive through ball found Valverde, who calmly lifted his finish over Neto to silence the Camp Nou faithful. 

But Barcelona, spurred by their youthful exuberance, responded almost immediately. Jordi Alba’s trademark run down the left flank ended with a precise cross for Fati, who slotted home to level the score. At just 17 years old, Fati became the youngest scorer in El Clásico history, a testament to his burgeoning talent. 

The remainder of the half was a showcase of individual brilliance and collective intensity. Thibaut Courtois denied Lionel Messi with a stunning save, while Neto thwarted Benzema at the other end. The first half ended in a stalemate, setting the stage for a tactical battle in the second period. 

Zidane’s Adjustments: Strangling Barcelona’s Flow 

Recognizing the need to disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm, Zidane made crucial adjustments after the break. The midfield trio of Casemiro, Kroos, and Valverde tightened their grip on the game, cutting off passing lanes to Messi and Philippe Coutinho. With Barcelona forced to rely on their flanks, Sergiño Dest emerged as a constant threat down the right. However, the duo of Ramos and Raphaël Varane stood firm, neutralizing crosses and closing gaps with precision. 

Casemiro, despite his occasional overzealous challenges, epitomized Real Madrid’s defensive resolve. His crucial tackle on Messi, albeit controversial, symbolized the battle of wills unfolding on the pitch. 

Ramos: The Turning Point 

The game’s decisive moment came in the 63rd minute. Clément Lenglet, under pressure, clumsily tugged at Ramos’ jersey during a set piece. The Real Madrid captain’s theatrical fall drew the attention of VAR, resulting in a penalty. Ramos stepped up and coolly dispatched the spot-kick, restoring Madrid’s lead and shifting the momentum firmly in their favour. 

From that point on, Barcelona struggled to find a foothold. Despite enjoying 60% possession in the second half, they failed to register a single shot on target. Real Madrid’s defensive discipline and tactical organization stifled their creativity, leaving Messi and company frustrated. 

Modric’s Masterstroke 

As Barcelona pushed forward in search of an equalizer, spaces opened up for Real Madrid to exploit. Substitute Rodrygo Goes capitalized on one such opportunity, delivering a sublime assist to Luka Modrić. The Croatian maestro, with characteristic composure, danced around Neto before slotting the ball into the net to seal the victory. 

It was a fitting end to a performance defined by grit, intelligence, and moments of brilliance. 

A Statement Victory 

For Real Madrid, this 3-1 victory at Camp Nou was more than just three points—it was a statement of intent. It marked their first El Clásico win at Camp Nou since 2007, a triumph built on Zidane’s tactical acumen and the team’s collective resilience. 

Barcelona, despite flashes of promise, were left to rue their defensive lapses and lack of cutting edge in the final third. Ansu Fati’s record-breaking goal was a silver lining, but Ronald Koeman’s side must address their vulnerabilities if they are to reclaim their dominance. 

As for Zidane, this win silenced his critics, at least for now. Real Madrid rediscovered their identity—a team that thrives on unity, discipline, and the ability to rise to the occasion. 

El Clásico, once again, proved why it remains the pinnacle of footballing rivalries. The intensity, drama, and tactical intrigue ensure that its magic endures, regardless of the era. 

For Los Blancos, the road ahead is long, but with this victory, they have reignited their momentum and their belief. The challenge now is to sustain it.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar