English
Español
Real Madrid’s recent clash against Osasuna has reopened a debate that has followed the club throughout the season, which is the absence of a true “game-changer” from the bench.
According to a report from MARCA, the issue has once again come into focus at a critical stage of the campaign.
Whether under Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso or now with Alvaro Arbeloa involved in the technical direction, Madrid have struggled to find a substitute capable of shifting momentum when matches become complicated.
Now, as the team approaches the decisive stretch of La Liga and European competition, the lack of a reliable impact player is becoming increasingly concerning.
Numbers to back
As such, the statistics show the problem clearly. In La Liga, Real Madrid substitutes have scored just two goals all season.
Even more worrying, those goals have had little influence on final results.
Real Madrid’s bench strength is not providing enough firepower. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Compared to their direct rivals, the gap is stark. Barcelona, for that matter, have seen 13 league goals come from players introduced off the bench, offering late solutions when games hang in the balance.
At Real Madrid, however, the available options have not filled the void. Gonzalo Garcia has proven effective when starting matches, but has failed to replicate that influence as a substitute.
Rodrygo’s record is particularly striking, having made 18 appearances off the bench without a single goal.
Franco Mastantuono’s involvement has reduced over time, limiting his potential impact, while Endrick’s departure has only widened the attacking gap.
In a season where margins are minimal and fixtures are relentless, having a bench capable of changing the script is often the difference between lifting trophies and falling short.
While Real Madrid’s starting XI possesses quality, they are limited to the needed reactive power once the game state turns unfavourable.