Real Madrid has conceded 16 more goals this season than in the entire previous campaign, and with the number of matches approaching last season’s tally (55 games), this statistic could worsen. Defensive issues, both in La Liga and the Champions League, are key to understanding the team’s current state.

In the match against Arsenal, Real conceded two goals, and had Thibaut Courtois not saved Bukayo Saka’s penalty, it could have been three. This defensive frailty has jeopardized their chances of lifting the trophy.

Carlo Ancelotti after the 1-2 loss to Valencia said: “Opponents score against us with minimal opportunities.” But this warning had no effect on the team. The 0-1 win against Alavés was a rare occurrence, more due to the opponent’s weakness and Real’s motivation to play with 10 men than defensive performance. Arsenal, without their main strikers (Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz), scored five goals against Real in two matches.

Since the back-to-back clean sheets in late February (2-0 vs. Girona and 0-1 vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey), Real has conceded 21 goals in 11 matches, 12 of which came in six home games at the Bernabéu. Relegation-threatened teams like Leganés and Valencia each scored twice at the Bernabéu, while Real Sociedad netted four in the Copa del Rey semifinal, forcing extra time.

Real Madrid’s defensive mistakes are varied and glaring: From Gallagher’s goal in the 29th minute at the Metropolitano to two unnecessary fouls against Arsenal, which Declan Rice capitalized on from set-pieces. In the 4-4 draw against Sociedad, the first goal was due to Nacho’s haste and Lucas Vázquez’s inability to recover. Real also conceded an easy goal against Leganés by giving Raba too much space. Last season, in the Champions League final, they allowed only three shots on target, but against Arsenal, Courtois faced 15 shots. Multiple injuries and a lack of personnel have prevented defensive stability, and Ancelotti hasn’t been able to field the same defensive lineup more than six times.

This fragility is concerning ahead of Sunday’s match against Athletic Bilbao, crucial for keeping La Liga title hopes alive, and especially the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, who have scored nine goals against Real in two Clásicos this season.