## Real Madrid’s Scheduling Struggles
Since their emphatic 4-0 victory against Valencia at the Santiago Bernabéu on November 1, Real Madrid has faced significant challenges, primarily due to a scheduling conflict with the NFL. The highly publicized match between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders on November 16 forced the club to relinquish its home ground for several weeks. This unprecedented situation has not only disrupted the team’s rhythm but has also led to a detrimental impact on their performance in both La Liga and the Champions League.
### A Series of Consecutive Away Games
The club’s schedule during this period consisted of six away matches, including four in La Liga and two in the Champions League. This intense travel burden ultimately proved costly. Real Madrid’s five-point lead over FC Barcelona has vanished, and they now find themselves trailing by a point to Hansi Flick’s squad. Additionally, the team has seen their gaps to both Atlético Madrid and Villarreal diminish significantly, reducing leads from eight and seven points to just two and one, respectively.
### Performance Deterioration
Sportingly, the absence from their sacred home ground has visibly affected Madrid’s performance. They managed only three draws in La Liga against Vallecas, Elche, and Girona, with a streak of four consecutive matches away from home ending without a victory. Even more alarming was their performance against Liverpool in the Champions League, where they fell to a 1-0 defeat. While they did secure a valuable 2-1 win against Olympiacos in Athens, the challenges they faced during this period were palpable.
### Looking Ahead: Return to the Bernabéu
As they approach the end of this grueling away series with their upcoming match at San Mamés, there’s a palpable sense of urgency within the team. Head coach Xabi Alonso has expressed optimism, noting, “It’s a good opportunity to get back outside,” referring to the team’s eagerness to return to the Bernabéu. The return to familiar territory could be just what the team needs to regain momentum as they navigate the rest of the season.
### Conclusion
The intertwining of NFL events with European football has yielded unexpected challenges for Real Madrid. While the temporary loss of their home ground has impacted their performance and standing in the league, the team is gearing up for a vital return to the Santiago Bernabéu. As they look to turn their fortunes around, fans and analysts alike will be monitoring how this transitional period affects their overall season. With every match becoming crucial, the pressure is on for Real Madrid to bounce back and reclaim their position at the top of La Liga.