According to Marca, Real Madrid ranks second among European teams in shots on target, behind only Barcelona, but their conversion efficiency is among the lowest.

Real Madrid under Mourinho has often been criticized as a defensive, unenterprising side, but the statistics tell a different story. Beyond Barcelona's style of play, Real Madrid has found multiple ways to create chances and threats, nearly matching Barcelona as the competition's most prolific creator so far. A closer look at the stats reveals that Real Madrid actually generates more shots and creates more threats than Barcelona. The issue is not tactical philosophy but conversion: Real Madrid struggles to turn most of their chances into goals, the opposite problem of their eternal rivals.

According to Opta data, Real Madrid has wasted the most big chances in Europe with 25, followed by Borussia Dortmund with 18 and Bayern Munich with 17. This data covers the 10 biggest clubs in Europe. Real Madrid also has the second-most shots on target with 58, behind only Barcelona. Real Madrid needs just over 3 shots to score 1 goal on average, while Barcelona needs fewer than 2. Mourinho's team converts 32.76% of their shots into goals, while Flick's Barcelona achieves 55%—nearly double.

Real Madrid ranks second in Europe with 19 goals, but Barcelona has scored more because they are far more efficient among the top five leagues' elite clubs. Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City have fewer goals, but both have played only 6 matches while Real Madrid has played 7. Dortmund averages 1 goal per 2.35 shots, while Real Madrid needs just over 3, and Bayern Munich averages 2.83—also more efficient. Only Arsenal and Manchester City perform worse than Real Madrid among the elite; Arsenal averages 1 goal per 3.33 shots, and Manchester City averages 1 goal per 3.10 shots.

Real Madrid's attacking potential is undeniable; they could perform far better if they improved their finishing. The team failed to score only against Betis, losing 1-0, but Real Madrid scored 2 against Espanyol, 4 against Real Sociedad, 4 against Málaga, 4 against Rayo Vallecano, 3 against Elche, and 2 against Inter Milan. Although Real Madrid's Champions League debut still showed room for improvement—partly due to midfield absences—they continued to squander numerous excellent opportunities.

Mourinho appears to have identified the problem. The team's loss of control in matches, which in turn reduces both shots and conversion efficiency, occurs particularly in the second half, especially after Real Madrid has dominated possession. Indeed, in their last 4 matches, Real Madrid have failed to win the second half. Looking only at second-half results, their record stands at 3 losses and 1 draw. Real Madrid, which still plays well and scores in the first half, appears to be resting on past success and paying the price.

Individually, Vinícius's poor finishing is not helping these numbers. The Brazilian star even apologized on social media after squandering several chances against Elche. This season, he has scored just 1 goal from 6 shots on target, a conversion rate just above 16%. Mbappé continues his trend from last season, with 30.7% of his shots converted into goals. Bellingham, playing closer to the penalty box under Mourinho, has rediscovered his scoring touch with a 33.3% conversion rate, scoring 3 goals from 10 shots.

However, the most efficient finisher is Carlos Espiqueved, who has scored 2 goals from just 5 shots, a 66.6% conversion rate. His goal against Elche helped secure the victory, as did his 90th-minute strike against Espanyol in the league's opening round. The same applies to Güler, who has scored 2 goals from 3 shots on target.

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