Demanding December schedule awaits Ancelotti and Real Madrid

Real Madrid have clawed their way back into contention in LaLiga. Following their El Clasico humbling at the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of October, many observers had already written off ‘Los Blancos’ title hopes with Barça looking in imperious form.

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However, a defeat away to Real Sociedad, draw away in Vigo and a shock home defeat this week at the hands of Las Palmas has seen Hansi Flick’s men watch their lead at the LaLiga summit cut back to just one point as both teams head into a busy December schedule.

Sunday’s win over Getafe offered a balsamic respite for Carlo Ancelotti’s men after being outclassed at Anfield during the midweek Champions League clash and as things stand, it’s unlikely the reigning champions will finish in the top 8 of the new Champions League Swiss model league format and will need to progress in the competition via a play-off.

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Daunting December

Madrid are set to play six games across three competitions during December with two tricky away tests imminent in the league as they head to Bilbao midweek before travelling to Girona next weekend.

The Champions League is back on the agenda for ‘Los Blancos’ and Bergamo is the next destination mid-month as Madrid will be looking to bounce back in the competition against high flying Atlanta who are currently fifth in the standings.

LaLiga then takes centre stage as Ancelotti’s men face a short trip to the ‘barrio’ of Vallecas to face Rayo Vallecano.

A trip to Qatar is the next destination of a packed month as the European champions have been fast-tracked to the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and will face one of Al Ahly-Botafogo/Pachuca in the final that will be staged in Lusail, the setting for the 2022 World Cup final.

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The final match in December takes ‘Los Blancos’ back to the Bernabeu as they face Sevilla in LaLiga on 22 December.

The first team squad will then enjoy a brief respite over the festive period before the activity commences again in January with LaLiga, Champions League on the agenda for the new year along with Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.