For a brief moment, Real Madrid looked like a team that had finally regained control of their destiny.
After surrendering first place towards the end of 2025, largely due to a damaging November run under former manager Xabi Alonso, Madrid managed to climb back to the summit of La Liga.
It felt like a reset. The scars of that poor spell were still fresh, but the standings suggested recovery.
This time, the return to the top came with Alvaro Arbeloa.
His tenure has been far from straightforward, as Madrid were knocked out of the Copa del Rey and slipped outside the top eight in the Champions League standings.
Yet domestically, there was one major positive – they had remained unbeaten in La Liga. That run had restored belief inside the dressing room.
But belief without consistency is fragile.
Madrid cannot hold their position
Less than a week after reclaiming first place, Madrid’s grip loosened again. A defeat away to Osasuna proved costly.
Real Madrid are in trouble… once again! (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
At the same time, Barcelona capitalised, defeating Levante at home and moving back ahead in the standings. This is where the La Liga title race becomes ruthless.
The numbers tell a clear story. Madrid have shown they can climb. However, what they have not shown is the ability to stay there.
Winning the league is not about moments of brilliance. Rather, it is about repeating high standards week after week.
Barcelona are not dominating matches the way they did last season. They, too, are working hard for victories.
That is precisely why every slip feels amplified. The margins are tiny, as a single defeat can undo weeks of hard work.
If this season is decided by one or two points, then protecting top spot becomes more important than reaching it. For now, Madrid have failed their first real test as leaders.
Should they reclaim first place again, improving on a record of just five days at the summit will not be difficult.
But unless they build true consistency, this La Liga campaign may continue to feel like a chase rather than a command.