Real Madrid’s quest to defend their La Liga title in the 2024/25 season has hit an early snag, as they find themselves grappling with a troubling statistic that could threaten their chances of consecutive league triumphs.
After securing their 36th La Liga title in the 2023/24 season with an impressive campaign that saw them lose just one domestic game, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad entered the new season as favorites. Their position as frontrunners was further solidified by the high-profile acquisition of Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain. However, the French star’s much-anticipated La Liga debut ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw against Mallorca.
This result not only leaves Real Madrid trailing Barcelona in the early standings but also places them in the shadow of an ominous pattern. Historically, no reigning La Liga champion has managed to defend their title after failing to win their opening game of the following season. The last five teams to find themselves in this situation have all come up short in their title defenses.
Barcelona was the most recent victim of this “champion’s curse.” After winning La Liga in 2023 under Xavi Hernandez, they opened the next season with a scoreless draw against Getafe, only to see Real Madrid claim the title at the end of the campaign.
While Real Madrid boasts a roster filled with world-class talent, including Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham, their recent history of title defenses is less encouraging. Los Blancos have failed to retain the La Liga crown the last four times they won it, with their last back-to-back victories dating back to 2007 and 2008.
For Mbappé, who is eager to make his mark in Spain, helping Real Madrid overcome this daunting statistic will be crucial. The French forward will need to inspire his team to a domestic campaign strong enough to defy the odds and secure consecutive La Liga titles.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Ancelotti’s side to see if they can break the pattern and reassert their dominance in Spanish football
Real Madrid’s quest to defend their La Liga title in the 2024/25 season faces an early challenge after a 1-1 draw against Mallorca in their opening match. This result is particularly concerning given a historical trend: no reigning La Liga champion has successfully defended their title after failing to win their first game of the season in the last five instances.
Despite entering the season as favorites, bolstered by the high-profile signing of Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid is now in a precarious position. The pressure is on Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, not only to overcome this historical pattern but also to outperform their fierce rivals, Barcelona, who currently lead the standings.
Real Madrid’s recent track record in title defenses adds another layer of difficulty. The club has failed to retain the La Liga crown on the last four occasions they won it, with their last successful title defense occurring in 2007 and 2008.
For Mbappé, who was expected to make a splash in his La Liga debut, the stakes are high. He must lead the charge to defy the odds and break this concerning pattern. As the season progresses, the focus will be on whether Real Madrid can overcome this early setback and reclaim their dominance in Spanish football.
