The Worst Seasons for Real Madrid: A Look Back

Real Madrid, one of the most storied football clubs in the world, has had its share of struggles. While the team has generally remained at the top of European football, there have been seasons that stand out as particularly disappointing. This article will explore some of the worst seasons for Real Madrid, focusing on their performance in major competitions and league standings.

The 1980-81 Season: A Disappointing Start

The 1980-81 season is often cited as one of the worst in the history of Real Madrid. In La Liga, the team finished in fifth place, significantly lower than their usual performance levels. Additionally, in the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid faced an early elimination in the quarter-finals, repeating a pattern of underperformance that would continue in subsequent years.

2009-10 Season: UEFA Champions League Disappointment

The 2009-10 season was another standout due to the team's poor performance in the UEFA Champions League. Despite finishing second in La Liga, Real Madrid struggled in Group D, failing to advance to the knockout rounds. This was the first such failure since the tournament's rebranding, marking a significant setback for the club.

Recent Demise: The 2018-19 and 2017-18 Seasons

Real Madrid has faced some challenging seasons in the past few years. The Alcorconazo in 2009, when they lost 4-0 to a team from the third tier of Spanish football, is a notable example. However, the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons stand out as particularly difficult.

In the 2017-18 season, Real Madrid managed to win the Champions League, completing their third consecutive title. This achievement somewhat mitigated their poor La Liga performance. However, the 2018-19 season was a different story. Real Madrid was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Ajax, with a 3-5 aggregate score, and a 4-1 defeat at home, a result that hit hard. Barcelona retained their early La Liga title, and Real Madrid were also knocked out of the Copa del Rey.

Additionally, the 2018-19 season saw a six-game winless streak and four losing streaks, culminating in a 0-1 defeat against CSKA Moscow. The team also experienced a 465-minute drought without a goal until Marcelo scored against Levante, resulting in a 2-1 loss. This string of poor performances, especially considering their usual status as one of the biggest teams in football, makes the 2018-19 season a clear candidate for the worst in this decade.

Conclusion

While Real Madrid has had its ups and downs, these notable seasons in the late 20th and early 21st centuries highlight the team's vulnerability during certain times. The 1980-81, 2009-10, 2017-18, and 2018-19 seasons serve as reminders that even the best teams can face challenging periods. Nevertheless, these setbacks also motivate the team to strive for improvement and once again reclaim their status as one of the top football clubs in the world.