Real Madrid are currently dealing with a growing injury crisis that is putting pressure on the squad, and the team is hoping that its international players return from the international break without any further issues.
With a busy schedule ahead, the club is gearing up for a series of important matches leading into the Christmas break. This challenging period will see Madrid play nine matches in under a month across three major competitions.
The upcoming schedule includes six La Liga matches, two Champions League encounters, and the highly anticipated Intercontinental Cup final.
The La Liga fixtures include matches against Leganes, Getafe, Athletic Club, Girona, Rayo Vallecano, and Sevilla. In addition, Madrid will face tough Champions League challenges against Liverpool and Atalanta, both away from home.
On top of these, there is the Intercontinental Cup final on December 18 at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, where Madrid will compete against an opponent yet to be determined.
It all starts this month
The team’s first match after the international break will be on November 24 against Leganes. This game is expected to serve as a warm-up for their crucial Champions League tie against Liverpool.
Madrid need to secure a win at Anfield if they are to avoid jeopardising their chances of advancing in the tournament.
Liverpool, the current Premier League leaders, will be a tough opponent, and a loss could make Madrid’s qualification for the knockout stages much more difficult.
What lies in December?
The beginning of December will be especially demanding for Madrid. The team will play three La Liga matches within a week. On December 1, they will host Getafe and just a few days later, on December 4, they will face Athletic Club away from home.
A few days after that, they will travel to Girona for another tough fixture on December 7. This stretch of games will test Madrid’s squad depth and resilience, especially with the added strain of having to rotate players due to injuries.
UCL and Intercontinental commitment
Following this intense league schedule, Madrid will return to European competition with a Champions League match against Atalanta on December 10.
This is a crucial game as Madrid look to maintain their position in the competition. After that, they will face Rayo Vallecano at home, though the exact date and time of this match are yet to be confirmed.
The Intercontinental Cup will be the next major challenge, with Madrid hoping to add another trophy to their collection. The match is scheduled for December 18 at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
Madrid’s potential opponents could come from various continents, including teams like Pachuca, Al-Ain, Al-Ahly, and Auckland City. The South American representative will be determined by the final of the Copa Libertadores, where Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo will compete for the spot.
The Christmas break
Madrid will wrap up their demanding schedule just before Christmas with a home match against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu. This game is set to take place on December 21, 22, or 23, depending on the final fixture details.
It will mark the end of a challenging period that has tested the squad’s depth and their ability to handle a heavy workload.
With so many crucial fixtures ahead, Real Madrid’s focus will be on maintaining player fitness, dealing with the ongoing injury issues, and staying sharp as they look to navigate through this busy period.
Each match will be vital in ensuring they stay competitive across all competitions, especially with the holiday season just around the corner.
