According to Mundo Deportivo, in the post-match press conference after Real Madrid's victory over Rayo Vallecano, coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged that the team could only deliver a strong "45-minute performance" because Real Madrid "lacked the physical and mental strength to sustain it in the second half." This pattern of declining second-half displays has persisted throughout the season, with Bernabéu fans expressing their frustration through repeated boos.

This season, Real Madrid has only improved in the second half in two matches: the away fixture against Espanyol, where they were level at 1-1 at halftime before winning 2-1, and at home against Real Sociedad, also 1-1 at halftime, eventually winning 4-1. In the Espanyol away match, Real Madrid started impressively, with Bellingham scoring in the 9th minute. This attacking approach has always been Ancelotti's preference. After the Rayo Vallecano victory, he reiterated: "Our style is to start strong and secure victory early." However, Espanyol equalized before the interval, and Real Madrid held on for a narrow win.

At the Bernabéu against Real Sociedad, Real Madrid struck first through Mbappé. The hosts conceded an equalizer just four minutes later before halftime. In the second half, Mbappé scored a hat-trick, and with Vinicius's contribution, Real Madrid secured the three points. Since that match, Real Madrid has played four additional games, and in all four, their second-half performance deteriorated compared to the first.

The match against Málaga was relatively controlled, as Real Madrid built a 3-0 lead within 30 minutes, eased off slightly in the second half, but still extended their advantage to win 4-0.

However, in the away fixture at Benito Villamarín against Real Betis, Ancelotti's side managed only a goalless first half despite creating scoring opportunities. They conceded a late winner to Parrott and lost the match. The other two victories—against Inter Milan (2-0 at halftime, 2-1 final) and Rayo Vallecano (3-0 at halftime, 4-1 final)—were profitable outcomes, but the second-half lapses proved costly to team morale. The moment Real Madrid slowed down and lost control, the home supporters voiced their disapproval.

Bernabéu fans are unaccustomed to seeing their side establish an early commanding lead only to fade in the second half. Opta statistics show that last season in La Liga, Real Madrid scored multiple goals in the opening 45 minutes only twice. This season, they have already matched that benchmark.

Ancelotti stated: "In my view, today's match was only well-played for 45 minutes. I know the team's physical and mental condition—they cannot maintain the first-half intensity in the second half. They simply cannot." Yet Real Madrid supporters remain unwilling to accept mediocre second-half performances.

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