Anxiety and Expectations: An Analysis of the 2025-26 Season
The millionaire investment and high expectations often generate anxiety in the world of football. Signing a star can be a double-edged sword, especially when facing high-caliber rivals. Getting used to winning titles is one thing, but maintaining the pace when the competition intensifies is another challenge. In this edition, we will explore the current situation of several clubs and leagues, analyzing whether anguish dominates or if excitement is in the air.
In the first weeks of the 2025-26 season, we will examine the situation of clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, and others, including the Bundesliga, Wrexham, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Juventus and AC Milan.Real Madrid: The Difficulty of Evolution
After winning the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid signed Kylian Mbappé, but things didn’t go as expected. The team didn’t meet expectations, finishing behind Barcelona in LaLiga and suffering an early elimination in the Champions League against Arsenal. This generated internal problems and tactical challenges.
From the controversy over the Ballon d’Or to defensive injuries and lack of pressure, Real Madrid’s performance in the 2024-25 season was not the best. In response, the club made significant changes: Xabi Alonso took over as coach, Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Álvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono joined. On the other hand, Luka Modric and Lucas Vázquez left the team.
The adaptation to Alonso’s system has been rapid. Despite injuries and player rotation, the team has achieved important victories. Real Madrid has won all its matches, demonstrating a good level of play. Players like Arda Güler and Mastantuono have played a prominent role, showing their potential.
The performance of Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior has also been key, with a combination of goals and assists. Although the defense in transition still needs improvement, the team shows remarkable ball control. With seven wins in seven games, Real Madrid is emerging as a team to watch.Level of distress: 2
Given the circumstances, it’s difficult to complain about the team’s current performance. Alonso’s arrival has allowed for the development of young players and the creation of a solid project.Manchester: Clash of Giants with Anxiety
In Manchester, anguish is a constant, especially for United. City, for its part, has invested in new talents, spending a large sum on signings. However, the tactical and defensive transition problems persist.
Erling Haaland has been fundamental in City’s attack, but the team has suffered important defeats. United, on the other hand, has had difficulties maintaining consistent performance. Despite the problems, United’s attack has generated more danger compared to previous seasons.Level of distress: 7 (Manchester City), 7.5 (Manchester United)
While it’s difficult to worry about City outside the top four, United faces a complicated path to aspire to higher positions.Bundesliga: Attracting the Stars?
The Bundesliga is recognized for its ownership model, but faces the challenge of maintaining competitiveness and attracting elite players. The league has lost several important figures in the transfer market.
The performance of German teams in European competitions has been mixed. Despite this, the German tournament shows signs of an exciting season.
Bayern has had a good start, and Dortmund has also shown a solid performance. The Bundesliga seeks to consolidate itself as an attractive and competitive league.Level of distress: 3.5
Despite some challenges, the Bundesliga has the potential to offer an interesting season, with several teams looking to stand out.Wrexham: The Championship Challenge
After three consecutive promotions, Wrexham faces the reality of the Championship. The club has invested in signings to strengthen its squad, but the adaptation has been difficult.
The team has achieved some important victories, but the defense has shown weaknesses. Wrexham needs to improve its performance to avoid problems during the season.Level of distress: 8
If the team’s game doesn’t improve, the fight for survival could be complicated.Newcastle and Aston Villa: The Cost of Success
Newcastle and Aston Villa have experienced recent success thanks to new investments. However, financial rules and on-field results have generated concern.
Both teams have had a complicated start to the season, with difficulties in attack and irregular results. Newcastle has had problems maintaining its squad and Villa faces financial restrictions.Distress Level: 7.5 (Newcastle), 9.5 (Aston Villa)
Newcastle has room for improvement, but Villa seems to be in a more difficult situation.Juventus and AC Milan: In Search of Lost Glory
Juventus and AC Milan, clubs with a rich history in Europe, have faced challenges in recent years. Both teams are looking to regain their level of play and competitiveness.
Juventus has invested in new signings to strengthen its squad. Milan has renewed its team, with the arrival of new players and the departure of veterans.
Both teams have shown entertaining play, but they still need to demonstrate their ability to compete at the highest level.
