Real Madrid’s 2025/26 season has taken a dramatic downturn, and the numbers clearly explain why their La Liga challenge has faded so quickly.
Under Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid initially showed signs of promise, as there were moments where the team looked balanced and capable of competing on multiple fronts.
But that optimism has quickly disappeared, replaced by inconsistency and costly mistakes and the result is just one win in their last six matches across all competitions.
That run has already cost them a UEFA Champions League exit and has all but handed the La Liga title to Barcelona.
However, the deeper issue lies in their defensive record.
What’s the story?
Recent data highlights a worrying trend, as Real Madrid have now conceded in 10 consecutive league matches, shipping a total of 13 goals during that stretch.
It is their worst run without a clean sheet in a single La Liga season since 2004, when a side managed by Carlos Queiroz went 20 matches without shutting out opponents.
Notably, this is not a one-off problem. It has become a pattern.
Simply put, Real Madrid have failed to keep opponents quiet against a wide range of teams, including Real Betis, Alaves, Girona, Mallorca, Atletico Madrid, Elche, Celta Vigo, Getafe, Osasuna and Real Sociedad.
The last time Madrid managed a clean sheet came on February 9 in a 2-0 win over Valencia.
Since then, every single league match has followed the same script – conceding goals and losing control of key moments.
That defensive fragility has directly impacted results. Beyond conceding regularly, Madrid have also dropped points in three of their last five league matches, further damaging any hopes of a late title push.
More importantly, this is no longer just about individual errors, as it points towards structural issues, a lack of organisation, poor game management, and an inability to maintain focus over 90 minutes.
In previous seasons, Madrid could rely on their attack to compensate for defensive lapses, but this time, that balance is missing.
Conceding first or failing to protect leads has become a recurring theme, and it is costing them dearly.
