Suddenly, the race for the 2024-2025 La Liga championship has become extremely attractive. However, that attraction has cost defending champion Real Madrid dearly.
Thanks to Barcelona's surprise 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad, Los Blancos are now just six points behind their rivals with a game in hand, a positive outlook after a series of disappointing games, including two defeats to Barcelona and AC Milan.
However, after the FIFA Days in November, Real Madrid will have a headache with injuries. Eder Militao's knee ligament injury, his second in 15 months, means he will say goodbye to this season.
That was bad enough for the club and heartbreaking for the Brazilian, and remember, this is just one of many injuries that the "White Vultures" are suffering.
The loss was particularly devastating as Dani Carvajal was ruled out until next season, as was promising 17-year-old centre-back Joan Martinez. Things were so bad that President Florentino Perez launched an investigation into Real's injury situation.
Now, attention is on whether Real Madrid's academy can salvage themselves from their terrible injury problems this season, and then go on to become the club's mainstays.
Los Blancos can be proud of their achievements in many different aspects over the past 10 years. And in every phase of their success, players from the academy have left their mark.
Carvajal, Nacho and Lucas Vazquez - all came through the Real youth system and are loyal Madridistas. Legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas also comes from the same background, alongside Raul Gonzalez - one of the greatest strikers in Los Blancos' history.
One of the most famous eras in the history of the "White Vultures" was when La Quinta del Buitre appeared. This was a group of 5 extraordinary players who captivated Real Madrid fans. All were natives and were mentioned with reverence.
With the contribution of La Quinta del Buitre, Los Blancos absolutely dominated Spanish football from 1985 to 1990 with 5 consecutive La Liga championships. In addition, they also brought home 1 Copa del Rey championship and 2 consecutive UEFA Cup championships.
Now more than ever, they need generations of players like that to step into the light.
