The start of the season for Real Madrid's women's team has once again exposed a reality that makes those in the Valdebebas offices uncomfortable. This was the year to take the big step forward to establish itself in the national elite. To get closer to or even surpass FC Barcelona.
But one matchday was enough to confirm that the gap separating both teams is astronomical.
Real Madrid has started with an unexpected stumble that has set off all the alarms in the presidential box.
Florentino Pérez manages the club with a firm hand and the highest demand for results. He doesn't understand how, after a summer full of strategic moves and major investments, his team has been unable to beat newly promoted DUX Logroño in the first matchday.
A strong bet to make the leap
The Madrid president approved a change of course with the arrival of a new coach and up to five top-level international signings, intended to make a difference from day one.
The goal was clear: to end the blaugrana hegemony. For the first time since the creation of the women's section in 2019, to seriously compete for the league title.
The context seemed favorable. Barça, forced by financial fair play, had to part with ten key players during the summer. In the white leadership, there was a conviction that the gap was narrowing.
The memory of the historic victory in the last Clásico, the first after 18 attempts, fueled hopes for this season.
The blow of the draw in Logroño
But soccer, in its harshest form, once again put Real Madrid in front of the mirror. The league debut couldn't have been more disappointing: a 2-2 draw against a newly promoted team.
The superiority in the squad and the expectations caused during the preseason didn't matter. The team didn't know how to close out the match and let two points slip away that, at the end of the season, could become a burden.
Meanwhile, Barcelona sent a devastating message to the championship. The blaugranas thrashed Alhama 8-0, reaffirming their status as undisputed favorites.
The comparison between both debuts has been painful and has caused an internal earthquake in the white club.
Florentino doesn't tolerate losing money or prestige
Beyond the sporting aspect, what really infuriates Florentino Pérez is the image the team projects. The president isn't used to losing money with projects that don't bring immediate glory and performance.
Seeing how Barça keeps dominating while Real Madrid projects the image of a second-rate team isn't part of his plans.
The women's section was created just six years ago with the goal of competing for everything. However, the results so far don't match the demands of the white house. Florentino is furious and, if the trend doesn't change quickly, drastic decisions could be made.
The message from the very top of the club is clear: there's no room for another trophyless year. Real Madrid's women's team must respond immediately if it wants to avoid another frustrating chapter in its short history. Florentino only asks for one title.