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 has indeed encountered an early setback. Their 1-1 draw against Mallorca in Kylian Mbappé’s La Liga debut highlights the challenge they face in overcoming historical trends. The statistic that no reigning La Liga champion has defended their title after failing to win their opening game adds pressure on Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
Despite their strong roster, which includes stars like Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid’s recent struggles with title defenses—having not retained the league crown in their last four victories—suggest a challenging road ahead. The team’s performance in the early part of the season will be crucial to breaking this pattern and securing back-to-back titles, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2007-2008. As the season progresses, Real Madrid’s ability to overcome this historical hurdle will be closely watched.
