Real Madrid have made the slowest running start in La Liga after seven matchdays, averaging just 96.5 kilometres per game — around eight kilometres fewer than Barcelona.
The figures place Madrid at the bottom of the division’s distance-covered rankings, a striking contrast for a side coached by José Mourinho and chasing their Catalan rivals in the title race.
Barcelona set the pace
Barcelona, who lead Mourinho’s team by six points at the top of La Liga, are fourth in the running-distance table. Their players have covered an average of approximately 104.6 kilometres per match.
Vigo lead the championship for total distance run, while Alavés, Espanyol and Sevilla are the closest clubs to Madrid’s low figures. Even those three sides average roughly two kilometres more per game than the Spanish giants.
Mourinho’s demand meets the numbers
When Mourinho arrived at Real Madrid, he was said to have told Florentino Pérez that he wanted a team prepared to “run and fight”. The competitive edge remains part of the Portuguese coach’s message, but the physical data suggests Madrid have not matched that ambition in terms of ground covered.
After seven rounds, their 96.5km average is the lowest in La Liga, leaving Barcelona with a significant advantage in both the standings and the distance statistics.
