Last season Real Madrid started to suffer at this stage of the season
They dropped two points against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday
Real Madrid have found it hard to keep the pace in La Liga in recent years. In September they start to suffer. Maybe the international break puts them off their stride. Last season they drew 1-1 with Levante at the Santiago Bernabeu before losing 1-0 against Betis two weeks later.
They lost five points from the first 12 that set them back in the title race. This year they also dropped points after the international break, stumbling to a 1-1 draw at the San Mames on Saturday. Soon they have games against Sevilla at the Sanchez Pizjuan and Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu which could be problematic.
ROMA ADD TO TOUGH CALENDAR
A demanding calendar, and Roma add to it, with the Champions League opener on Wednesday at the Berny. Lopetegui will have to pick his teams carefully to keep them fit for the period.
Historically it would be no surprise if Madrid struggle. They have won the first four games in La Liga just four times in 50 years. Barcelona, meanwhile, have kept their 100 per cent record after a fortunate win at Real Sociedad.
