Earlier this season, Real Madrid were running past opponents at a record pace, as Carlo Ancelotti’s side went on a 22-match winning streak in all competitions from October to December.

But lately the Spanish giants have been dealt some adversity. Player unrest, lackluster performances and injuries have taken a toll on the squad since the team returned from its winter break.

Los Blancos hit rock bottom when they were demolished 4-0 in the Madrid derby on February 7th.

They briefly reversed their fortunes by grinding out three successive 2-0 victories following the contest at the Vicente Calderon. But yesterday, Real dropped points at home for only the second time this season after drawing with sixth place Villarreal, 1-1.

What has become apparent is Real Madrid have struggled against La Liga’s top clubs this season.

In matches against Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla and Villarreal; the current league leaders have a record of three wins, three defeats and one draw. Against the rest of the teams in Spain, Los Blancos have won seventeen, lost once and drawn once.

In those matches – against teams outside of the current top six in La Liga – Madrid have averaged three goals per game while conceding only 0.9 goals per contest. During the seven matches against Spain’s top clubs, Los Blancos have scored ten times and conceded eleven goals.

With the race for the La Liga title apparently heading until the final day, again, Madrid’s upcoming league fixtures will prove vital to the club’s championship hopes.

Next up for Ancelotti’s side is a tricky road game at the New San Memes against Athletic Bilbao and a home match versus Levante. Then they prepare for this season’s second installment of El Clasico at the Camp Nou, which will more than likely decide who the favorites for the La Liga title will be this season.

Madrid also have matches against Sevilla (away) and Valencia (home) prior to the conclusion of the campaign.

Los Blancos were able to defeat Sevilla earlier this year despite a number of injuries. But Valencia ended the Madrid’s 22-match winning streak in January and will be eager to complete the double over the Spanish giants in May.

If Real Madrid are going to be able to wrestle the La Liga title from Atletico Madrid – while holding off a hard-charging Barcelona side – they will need to improve their results against the rest of Spain’s top clubs.

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