Mijatovic: 'Real is no longer the team last season'

"Real still has the King's Cup, but is at a disadvantage after the semi-final first leg," Mijatovic commented on AS on March 20. "They also have the Champions League. It's a sweet arena for them logically. But I have to say, Real this season is not like last season."

Regarding the decline of Real, Mijatovic believes that the cause comes from each player. Karim Benzema has only scored 19 goals this season, less than half of the 44 goals last season. Many other Real players are also down in form, especially after the 2022 World Cup. "Don't think Real will easily reach the Champions League final and win again", commented Mijatovic. "Of course, I still hope that happens, but obviously they are no longer the team from last season."

In the El Clasico match on March 19, Real lost to Barca 1-2. The reigning La Liga champions are 12 points behind their rivals. If there are no surprises in the remaining 12 rounds, coach Carlo Ancelotti's teachers and students are likely to lose the throne.

Real also have the semi-final second leg of the King's Cup. However, they are also at a disadvantage after the first leg lost to Barca 0-1 at home.

The only arena left for Real to put their full faith in is the Champions League - where they are highly appreciated for their bravery and experience. If they beat Chelsea in the quarter-finals, Real will enter the semi-finals to meet the winner of the Man City - Bayern pair.

Before losing to Barca on March 19, Real led the goal from the ninth minute. According to Mijatovic, the old team made a mistake by not continuing to pressurize and take risks to get a second goal. Everything changed when Sergi Roberto equalized for Barca in the 45th minute. In the 90+2 minute, Franck Kessie scored the decisive goal for Barca.

"Barca's equalizer at the end of the first half had a psychological impact," Mijatovic confirmed. "Going into the break with a goal conceded Real a little bit nervous when the second half started. Xavi took a lot of risks and everything went very well for Barca."

With 12 points ahead of Real, Barca only need to win eight of the remaining 12 matches to win La Liga. If successful, they will have their first La Liga since 2019.

If they continue to beat Real in the semi-final second leg of the King's Cup on April 5, Barca will enter the final to meet the winner of the Osasuna - Bilbao pair. Previously, coach Xavi's team won the Spanish Super Cup when they beat Real Madrid 3-1 in the final.