To say that Real Madrid have had a disappointing start to the season would be something of an understatement to say the least.
10pts off Real Madrid in La Liga, trailing Tottenham in their Champions League group – it is fair to say that Los Blancos are hardly living up to the kind of form that has seen them win Europe’s premier competition three times out of the last four seasons.
Reports in the Spanish media claim that Zidane’s men believe they are a victim of some sort of conspiracy with officials failing to give them key decisions in certain matches; however, the reality is that too many players have underperformed with Benzema and Ronaldo failing to live up to their usual goalscoring billing, whilst Gareth Bale continues to struggle with injury woes that have blighted his time in the Spanish capital.
In truth very few players have failed to turn up in games this season and whether Real Madrid have been on the wrong end of some bad officials’ calls, there was no one to blame against Tottenham Hotspur who did a thoroughly professional job on them – firstly at the Bernabeu and then at Wembley in the return fixture earlier this month.
It means that the opportunity to top the group remains out of their hands and they will be hoping that Spurs slip up in the final two games.
Zidane’s charges travel to Cyprus tonight to face Apoel Nicosia in what promises to be a tough game. The Cypriot champions played well at the Bernabeu, before an impressive double header against Dortmund that saw them garner two impressive draws that killed off the Bundesliga side chances of qualification.
Whilst the football betting community will see nothing other than an away win for the Real Madrid – nothing is a given with the performances of them this season. Zidane needs a big victory to kickstart this campaign and will be hoping this is the game that turns it all around.
Whether Real Madrid finish 1st or 2nd in their group, it is unlikely to impact the Champions League Betting Odds who are likely to have Los Blancos among the favourites to win the tournament – as they look to make it a hat-trick of victories.
One thing is for certain that their fabled BBC – Benzema, Bale and Cristiano – need to get their finger out and quickly in front of goal if they have any hope of making Champions League history this season.