Real Madrid arrives in Greece with a weight of expectation not felt since the early days of Xabi Alonso‘s tenure. This Wednesday, the Spanish champions take on Olympiakos in a crucial fifth match of the Champions League group stage, under immense pressure to secure a much-needed victory. The once-flourishing winning machine has suddenly stalled, leading to three consecutive matches without a win. A hard-fought draw against Rayo Vallecano before the international break was followed by a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Anfield against Liverpool. The latest setback came this past weekend when they could only manage a 2-2 draw against newly promoted Elche. This alarming streak places Real Madrid at a pivotal crossroads, facing their first true test of character this season.
The stakes extend beyond mere points; they encompass psychological and institutional ramifications. A victory is essential to stem the tide of doubt and prevent an open crisis from unfolding. In this new Champions League format, where every point is vital for the final standings, securing a win is paramount to keep hopes alive for direct qualification to the knockout stages and avoid grueling playoff matches in February, which would only add to an already congested schedule. However, this match is not just about numbers; it’s about pride. Real Madrid cannot afford to allow self-doubt to creep in.
Confronting Hostility in Piraeus
To reverse their fortunes, Real Madrid must conquer one of Europe’s most intimidating atmospheres. The Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus transforms into a cauldron where Olympiakos supporters create an infernal environment for visiting teams. Managed by the astute José Luis Mendilibar—who knows the weaknesses of Real Madrid all too well after previously guiding the club to European glory—Olympiakos will treat this encounter as if it were a final. The Merengues will need absolute composure to avoid falling into the Greek trap.
Time for a Collective Response
Beyond individual brilliance, it is imperative that the entire team regains its composure and defensive solidity that characterized Xabi Alonso’s early months in charge. Recent outings have seen that defensive fortitude crumble, as evidenced by conceding two goals against Elche after failing to score against Vallecano. This alarming trend highlights significant issues: gaps between lines have widened, concentration has waned at critical moments, and defensive organization has faltered. While Dean Huijsen’s return offers some hope after his goal last weekend, the entire defensive structure must be reassessed if they are to keep a clean sheet in Greece.
The balance within the squad remains precarious, exacerbated by absences such as Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba. Yet these injuries do not account for all shortcomings; a lack of aggression in duels and passivity during opponent transitions have been glaring weaknesses. Facing a passionate Greek side backed by fervent fans, any lapse in focus could prove costly.
Xabi Alonso will demand a collective response from his players: they must demonstrate their ability to weather storms when adversity strikes. Offensively, key figures need to step up and embrace their status as Galacticos. Kylian Mbappé has returned from injury but has yet to find his scoring touch; meanwhile, Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham must also rise to the occasion and lead the team out of this slump.
A commanding victory over Olympiakos is crucial—not just for points but as a statement that can turn this troubling phase into a mere blip on their otherwise illustrious campaign. With mounting pressure and critical moments ahead, can Real Madrid silence their critics and reignite their season?
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