“Not Playing Football”: Spanish Media Criticizes Real Madrid’s Performance

Overview of Recent Match and Performance

Real Madrid’s struggles continue as they forfeit the top position in La Liga to rivals FC Barcelona after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Girona. This marks the third consecutive tie for the team, with head coach Xabi Alonso unable to steer his squad to victory. Following the match, Alonso expressed no blame towards his players, acknowledging their efforts on the pitch. However, he emphasized the need for introspection regarding their early-game performance, stating, “We need to analyze why we couldn’t play like we should at the beginning of the match.”

Alonso’s Commentary on VAR Incident

In the closing moments of the match, a controversial incident occurred when Rodrigo fell inside the penalty area. Alonso criticized the officiating, suggesting that VAR should have been employed to assess the situation. “It’s surprising that VAR didn’t check it,” he remarked, adding that a review could have potentially altered the game’s outcome.

Critique from Spanish Sports Analysts

The reaction from the Spanish sports media has been overwhelmingly negative, with many commentators questioning the team’s abilities. “Real Madrid simply isn’t playing football,” they declared, highlighting issues such as a lack of momentum and inadequate performances from key players. Paco González from ‘El Chiringuito’ labeled the draw as the worst of the three ties, while analyst Jorge D’Alessandro noted, “Madrid may have strength, but they lack strategy. I simply don’t understand their direction.”

Rodrigo’s Struggles Continue

Adding to Real Madrid’s woes is the performance of Rodrigo, who has not scored in his last 30 matches, amounting to 1,339 minutes of play. His last goal was against Atlético Madrid on March 4, 2025, in the UEFA Champions League. This streak ties him with Mariano Díaz for the longest goal drought for a Real Madrid forward.

The Way Forward

As the team faces upcoming challenges, including an essential match against Athletic Bilbao, Alonso and his players are aware of the need to rally and secure victories. “We need this win, and we are determined to achieve it,” Alonso concluded. The team’s ability to overcome current criticisms and return to their winning ways will be closely scrutinized in the coming weeks.