Real Madrid's tactical shape has been built around an aggressive high line, compressing space and enabling quick transitions into the final third. The system works — a goal difference of 37 from 33 matches proves it. But lately, the execution has stalled. Against Girona and Real Betis, Madrid created the chances and won the xG battle; they simply couldn't convert.

The squad averages 2.24 points per game across the season. Over the final four matches, they need close to maximum points to have any chance of overhauling the leader. Espanyol on May 3 is the first test — a winnable game on paper, but one that demands the clinical finishing that has deserted them in recent weeks.

The back four has kept the team in contention, conceding relatively sparingly over 33 matches with only 5 losses. But draws that could have been wins are the story of this run-in. Madrid's best bet is a return to the decisive pressing patterns that made their first half of the season so dominant — win the ball high, transition quickly, and leave Espanyol's defence no time to organise.