Real Madrid Collapses in LaLiga: Just 2 Points from the Last 9!

Real Madrid's draw against Osasuna (1-1) sharpened the crisis of results for Carlo Ancelotti's team in LaLiga EA Sports 2024/25. On Saturday, January 25, after the thrashing at Valladolid's ground (0-3), the 'merengues' had a 10-point lead over FC Barcelona, who that matchday (21) was set to host Valencia. The thrashing in Montjuïc (7-1) allowed Hansi Flick's team to stay 7 points off the lead, a lead that has vanished just three weeks later.

The free fall of the 'White House' began on matchday 22 against Espanyol (1-0). Carlos Romero's goal in the 85th minute left Madrid empty-handed, and in the next two matches, the team could only salvage two draws (both 1-1). Goals from Kylian Mbappé against Atlético and Osasuna were not enough due to two penalties committed by Tchouaméni and Camavinga. Before the match against Espanyol, the whites had accumulated ten penalties in their favor and none against.

Real Madrid's Slips and Atlético's Struggles Put LaLiga 'Within Reach' of Barça

While Real dropped points in Cornellà, the Bernabéu, and Pamplona, Barça did their homework against Alavés (1-0) and Sevilla (1-4). If they defeat Rayo Vallecano on Monday in Montjuïc (21:00 CEST), the culés will reclaim the lead they lost on matchday 15 after falling at home to UD Las Palmas (1-2). The Catalans, in fact, also squandered a comfortable lead in the first half of the season and now must accelerate to regain control of a tournament where they have been clearly superior to the rest.

For Madrid, a tough schedule lies ahead (Girona at home, Betis away, and Rayo at home) to try to escape the crisis. First, they must resolve the Champions League 'play-off' against Manchester City on Wednesday at the Bernabéu. Atlético has also suffered a significant drop in form in 2025, after achieving 14 consecutive victories. In the last 6 matchdays, the team has only accumulated 9 points out of 18, resulting from 2 victories, 3 draws, and 1 defeat against Leganés.

In the coming weeks, Atlético's rivals will be Valencia (away), Athletic (home), and Getafe (away). Barça, after Rayo, will visit Las Palmas before hosting Real Sociedad and Osasuna. In between, they will have the first leg of the 'semis' of the Copa del Rey against the 'rojiblancos' and a return to the Champions League to face, likely, Benfica or PSG in the round of 16.

The Last Three Matches of Real Madrid

⚽Espanyol 1-0 Real Madrid (matchday 22)

⚽Real Madrid 1-1 Atlético de Madrid (matchday 23)

⚽Osasuna 1-1 Real Madrid (matchday 24)

The Last Three Matches of Atlético de Madrid

⚽Atlético de Madrid 2-0 Mallorca (matchday 22)

⚽Real Madrid 1-1 Atlético de Madrid (matchday 23)

⚽Atlético de Madrid 1-1 Celta de Vigo (matchday 24)

The Last Three Matches of FC Barcelona

⚽FC Barcelona 7-1 Valencia (matchday 21)

⚽FC Barcelona 1-0 Alavés (matchday 22)

⚽Sevilla 1-4 FC Barcelona (matchday 23)

This is how the LaLiga standings look, before Barça-Rayo: