This is now normal for Real Madrid LaLiga Santander Opinion

Real Madrid are not a normal team. They have never been. But losing at Leganes, their tenth defeat of the season, has now become normal. Fans being bored is also now normal. The team providing very little enthusiasm is now normal. Conceding as many goals as there are empty seats at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu is now normal. Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer there and failing to sign anyone to replace him is not normal.

It is now normal that many Madrid members are not turning up for the matches they have already paid for. It is normal for those loyal supporters to not renew their memberships. It is now normal for the stadium to be empty. It is not normal for Real Madrid fans to talk more about the Tour of the Bernabeu than about what happens on the field so as not to ruin their day.

It is now normal for Marcelo to stroll around. It is normal that Isco is not starting, due to the fault of his own and of his coach. It is normal that Santiago Solari has lost his smile. It is normal for half of the squad to be injured. It is normal to pin all hope on a teenager. It is normal that Casemiro does not arrive on time and makes mistakes. It is normal that Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are no longer Modric and Kroos. And that Madrid supporters believe that the best central midfield in the world is now just a memory. What is no longer normal is that Keylor Navas keeps making saves even when he does not play.

It is now normal for us to recognise that it is Real Madrid because they are wearing white. It is normal that they have once again thrown away LaLiga. It is normal to assume that they will start performing in the Champions League. It is normal to assume that Ajax in February are like the Ajax under Johan Cruyff in the '70s or the one under Louis Van Gaal. It is already normal to believe that Barcelona will win everything (which later they will not). It is normal that the Madrid fans think more about the coming season, that this one has already been lost. And that this time there will be a clearout. That those who were supposed to arrive will arrive. Or not, because the good ones are those who are already there and they must be trusted.

It is now normal that Madrid are in a state of unbearable mediocrity. And it would not be normal to claim their 14th Champions League title. Or they might just do it. But what is normal at Real Madrid?