Real Madrid is second in La Liga, one point behind Barcelona with one more match played. If Barcelona wins against Espanyol or Atlético Madrid, the gap to Real Madrid could extend to seven or nine points. The team has had a tough few weeks with no wins in the league in the last three matches and a loss in the Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich.
In recent matches, Real Madrid secured victories over Elche and Athletic Bilbao. Real Madrid defeated Elche 4-1 in La Liga, with Arda Güler scoring a long-range goal from his own half, approximately 60-70 meters, in the 89th minute. Real Madrid also beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 on Wednesday evening.
However, disappointing draws and losses have marred their form. Real Madrid drew 1-1 at home against Girona in La Liga, with Federico Valverde scoring for Real Madrid in the 51st minute and Thomas Lemar scoring Girona's equalizer in the 62nd minute. In a separate match, Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Mallorca, where Manu Morlanes scored to give Mallorca the lead before halftime. Eder Militão equalized for Real Madrid late in regular time with a header from a corner by Trent Alexander-Arnold against Mallorca, but Vedat Muriqi scored a 91st-minute winning goal for Mallorca in the 2-1 victory over Real Madrid.
A controversial incident involving Kylian Mbappé occurred during the Girona match. Kylian Mbappé was hit in the face by an arm or elbow in the penalty area and fell during the Girona match, but no penalty was awarded. Mbappé was bloody after the hit but received treatment and got up, according to reports.
The emotional context of Mallorca's late winner added depth to Real Madrid's struggles. Muriqi was emotional after scoring, having had tough weeks including Kosovo's loss to Turkey in a World Cup playoff final, as noted by sources. Mallorca is above the relegation line after 30 rounds, two points ahead of Elche, based on league standings.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid faces Celta Vigo with significant injury concerns. Real Madrid faces Celta Vigo with a depleted squad due to injuries, including absences of Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, and Eder Militao, according to team reports. Aurelien Tchouameni scored an 11th-minute opener for Real Madrid against Celta Vigo, but Borja Iglesias scored Celta Vigo's equalizer after a pass or assist from Williot Swedberg. Williot Swedberg has four goal contributions in his last three matches against Real Madrid, per match statistics. Celta Vigo is sixth in La Liga.
Detailed injury updates reveal the extent of Real Madrid's squad issues. Trent Alexander-Arnold has made just eight league starts for Real Madrid this season due to injuries, and he is out with a thigh injury and could be sidelined for the next two months, as reported by medical sources. Eduardo Camavinga is out with an ankle injury and will miss the match against Celta Vigo, according to team announcements. Jude Bellingham returned to the starting lineup for the first time since his injury in the Girona match, based on lineup data.
David Alaba's injury situation and contract uncertainty further complicate Real Madrid's defensive plans. David Alaba is a major doubt with a muscular issue for the match against Celta Vigo, but he will be out for two weeks after picking up an injury in the 2-0 Champions League victory over Chelsea, according to AS. David Alaba has made 34 appearances across all competitions this season, and his high salary and injury record have sealed his Real Madrid fate, with the Austrian set to leave when his contract ends in June 2026, per Fabrizio Romano. David Alaba received a €17.7 million signing bonus and currently earns a €22.5 million gross salary per year, making him the second-highest-paid player at the club behind Kylian Mbappé, as reported by Der Spiegel.
In the Champions League context, Real Madrid has shown moments of brilliance despite domestic struggles. Real Madrid beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Champions League round of 16 first leg with a hat-trick by Federico Valverde, according to match reports.
Unresolved questions linger about the title race and officiating, with fans and analysts debating the impact of recent decisions on Real Madrid's campaign.
Further uncertainties surround injuries and contract decisions, as the club navigates a critical period in the season with key players sidelined and future roster changes looming.