Real Madrid hit the frame three times as often as Barcelona in La Liga

Real Madrid’s difficult start to the 2026-27 La Liga season has been highlighted by Opta statistics showing that their shots have struck the posts or crossbar six times in the opening four rounds.

The figure is three times higher than the total recorded by Barcelona, Malaga, Levante and Alaves, who have each seen two attempts rebound off the woodwork during the same period.

Real Madrid’s misfortune was underlined after they suffered their first defeat of the campaign on Friday, losing 1-0 away to Real Betis in the fourth round of La Liga.

The six efforts which failed to go in because they hit the frame of the goal represent the highest total among the teams compared in the Opta data. While those attempts have not resulted in goals, the statistic reflects how fine the margins have been for the Spanish champions during the early weeks of the season.

Opta published the figures after Real Madrid’s defeat by Real Betis, highlighting the contrast between the number of times their shots have hit the frame and the totals recorded by the other clubs.

Its summary stated: “6 – Real Madrid shots have rebounded from the posts and crossbar in La Liga this season. This figure is three times that of Malaga, Barcelona, Levante and Alaves, with two shots for each team rebounding from the frame of the goal at the same stage of the league. Unlucky.”

Real Madrid had previously avoided defeat during the opening rounds of the campaign, but the loss to Real Betis ended that run and left their early-season finishing struggles under greater scrutiny.

The result also gave added significance to the woodwork statistic. Six attempts have gone close enough to hit either post or the crossbar, yet the team’s first defeat arrived without a goal from Real Madrid in Friday’s match.

Barcelona, by comparison, have had two shots hit the frame of the goal through the same point of the competition. Malaga, Levante and Alaves have registered the identical total, meaning Real Madrid’s number is double that of the four clubs taken individually and three times as high as each of their totals.

The data covers the opening four rounds of the 2026-27 La Liga season. It does not alter the result at Estadio Benito Villamarin, where Real Betis beat Real Madrid 1-0, but it illustrates the extent to which missed opportunities and narrow margins have featured in Real Madrid’s start.