Real Madrid could still win two of the most important titles of the season, titles that really count when measuring a season: La Liga and, to a lesser extent, the Copa del Rey. Many doubt that Real Madrid can beat Barcelona in either of the two titles, given the form of Ancelotti‘s side and the good momentum of Hansi Flick‘s team. As if that were not enough, a new piece of news has generated even more pessimism at the Bernabéu. The death of the Pope.
Death of Pope Francis
Pope Francis died on Monday at 7:30 a.m. after suffering a stroke caused by pneumonia, which kept him in the hospital for just over a month from February to March. Pope Francis, a true Argentine and fan of San Lorenzo, left an important mark on the world of sports.
Real Madrid and the changes of pope
Let’s go back to the 2004-2005 season. During that season, John Paul II was Pope, and he died on April 2, 2005. During that season, Real Madrid was fighting for the three major championships of the year, La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League, but in the end, they were unable to win any titles.
We continue our journey to the 2012-2013 season. On March 13, 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis, after Pope Benedict XVI resigned as head of the church, an unprecedented event. Curiously, that same year, Real Madrid also failed to win any of the three trophies that mark the season.
Although there was no change of pontiff, as he was already emeritus, Pope Benedict XVI died on December 31, 2022. That season, Real Madrid did win one title, the Copa del Rey, which allowed Carlo Ancelottito keep his job.
Real Madrid’s challenge for the season
These are just interesting facts, but the truth is that Real Madrid is facing the end of the season with the possibility of winning only two titles. If we stick to these facts, Florentino Pérez’s team will end up without any of the three major titles of the season.
Real Madrid are chasing Barcelona, two points behind the leaders, and have a direct clash in a few weeks’ time. But this weekend, they face a Copa del Rey final in which they are far from favorites. Barcelona has been far superior in the two games played so far. At the Santiago Bernabéu, they won 4-0, and in the Super Cup final, they won 5-2, meaning that Real Madrid conceded nine goals in two games, but above all, they were completely outplayed, the first signs of what was to come for Real Madrid this season.
The changes made by Papa have not been good for Real Madrid, which has failed to win any titles since they were implemented. However, Real Madrid will fight for the two titles, which would certainly be a consolation prize given this season’s performance, but they should not hide the changes that this team and this squad need to make. Real Madrid always rises to the occasion. We will see if it can do so in this final stretch and overcome adversity, even the changes made by the Pope.