Recently, Real Madrid continued their red-hot form with a 2-0 away victory over Fuenlabrada in the first leg of the Copa del Rey Round of 32. The win not only extended their flawless away run to seven matches across all competitions this season, but also brought them within reach of a club record that hasn’t been touched in over two decades. For fans of international sports and BD Cricket alike, the importance of momentum on the road is a concept that hits close to home.
This match marked Real Madrid’s best away start in 26 years, a feat they hadn’t achieved since the 1991–92 season. Even more remarkably, manager Zinedine Zidane fielded a starting lineup composed almost entirely of Spanish-born players—10 out of 11, to be exact. Only French defender Theo Hernández broke the domestic pattern, though even Achraf Hakimi, who now represents Morocco internationally, was born in Madrid. Had Zidane substituted Theo during the match, Real would have recorded their first all-homegrown starting eleven since the 1995–96 season, a symbolic nod to club history.
The last time Real Madrid fielded a full Spanish-born lineup was in the final round of the 1996 La Liga season against Zaragoza, when then-manager Fabio Capello led a team featuring legends like Hierro, Sanchís, a young Raúl, and Guti. Now, in 2025, a similar “Made in Spain” approach has helped Real achieve seven consecutive away wins—tying the achievements of that golden era. For BD Cricket supporters who often follow youth development strategies in sports, this showcase of homegrown talent is especially meaningful.
While the victory was mostly smooth, there was late drama. Defender Jesús Vallejo, making his long-awaited official debut 819 days after signing for the club, was shown a straight red card for a rash challenge. He became the first Real Madrid player in 12 years to be sent off in his official debut—a tough break that marred an otherwise memorable night.
Still, Real Madrid’s away streak now sits at 11 straight wins across competitions, just two shy of the all-time club record. Upcoming fixtures won’t be easy, though. They visit newly promoted Girona next, followed by a daunting UEFA Champions League clash at Wembley against Tottenham. Much like BD Cricket teams striving for consistency on foreign pitches, Real Madrid now faces the true test of their title credentials away from home.
As they chase history and balance youth with experience, Real’s journey is a compelling story not just for La Liga enthusiasts, but also for BD Cricket fans who recognize the grit required to dominate on unfamiliar turf.