AS: Real Madrid’s defense has been worrying recently, with the average number of shots per game increasing significantly.

Hupu November 25 News Real Madrid is going through a delicate stage in defense. The numbers confirm the perception: the team coached by Xavi Alonso has lost the defensive solidity it showed at the start of the season. The draw with Elche reaffirmed a worrying trend: Real Madrid's defensive quality has dropped, especially when it comes to counter-attacking after losing the ball, and opponents are constantly taking advantage of this.

The last three games - two draws and one loss - clearly reflect this regression. While the number of goals conceded alone is not alarming on its own (one goal per game, including two against Elche, one against Liverpool at Anfield by McAllister, and no goals away against Rayo Vallecano in Vallecas), the problem is more serious than the scoreline suggests, with Real Madrid giving their opponents more and more clear chances and facing more threats to their goal.

The data speaks for itself. Before these three games, Real Madrid averaged 9.7 shots per game. In the last three games, this number has soared to an average of 15 times per game. Courtois saved nearly every ball thrown at him at Anfield to avoid a crushing defeat; Liverpool had 17 shots on goal in that game. When Vallecas faced Vallecano, Real Madrid allowed their opponents to complete 13 shots. Against Elche, it was another 15 times. The difference is simply worlds of difference.

The vulnerability is even more apparent when evaluating the number of shots on target. Elche had 6 of its 15 shots on target, Rayo Vallecano had 2 shots on target, and Liverpool had 9 shots on target at Anfield. Therefore, during this period, Real Madrid's average number of shots on target per game increased to 5.7, while in the previous 14 official games, the team averaged only 3.2 per game. Such a huge contrast cannot help but cause concern.

In the game against Elche, Xabi Alonso seemed to have chosen to change the formation. The starting lineup included A Fee, Huizen and Asensio, suggesting a five-back defense, with Arnold and Fran Garcia as wing-backs. However, this expectation was quickly dashed: Real Madrid maintained their usual defensive system of four at the back. Trent Alexander-Arnold appears in his familiar position, with the former Rayo Vallecano man surprisingly occupying the left winger position. He plays the role of Vinicius, but not Vinicius himself. The formation is still the familiar 4-2-3-1, but the team's recent loss of defensive stability has not been improved.

Indeed, Real Madrid has had bad luck with player injuries this season. Militao was injured during the latest match with the Brazilian team, Huizen has been carefully protected, Rudiger is still unable to play, Alaba is suffering from muscle discomfort and it is difficult to maintain continuity, and Carvajal is expected to take several weeks to return... The chaotic situation in Real Madrid's medical room will undoubtedly make the defensive situation worse. A club that has become accustomed to dealing with periods of defensive weakness in recent years doesn't usually get unduly alarmed by a few poor games. But the current trend goes beyond occasional downturns: it's a structural problem. The team gave their opponents more chances, applied less pressure, and relied too much on Courtois to keep things going.

Xabi Alonso faces an urgent task: regaining the solid defense that was Real Madrid's trademark at the beginning of the season. He has to get everyone back to their best, and if he doesn't, opponents will continue to create chances with ease. And this team, which is increasingly vulnerable in the backfield, may pay the price in this unforgiving season.