Okay let’s get straight into it. So I’ve been a Real Madrid fan my whole life right? Been watching since Raul and Zidane days. That 2018 three-peat glory felt like yesterday. But then came all those frustrating Champions League exits. Getting knocked out year after year – especially by those small teams with parked buses – made me wanna smash my TV remote.
Finally last season I told myself: Enough. If the team isn’t solving it, maybe I gotta do something as a fan. This ain’t science obviously, just my personal experiment testing some patterns I noticed. Here’s exactly what I did:
The Preparation Phase
First I rewatched our worst defeats from last three seasons. Like that Chelsea knockout where we kept hitting woodwork. Took physical notes on yellow legal pad about:
- Game time: Lunchtime matches in Asia absolutely killed us
- My viewing position: Every time I watched from bed instead of living room couch, we conceded
- Dinner timing: When I ate during halftime, momentum shifted badly
- Commentators: Certain English announcers felt like bad luck charms
Action Plan Implementation
This season I started strict protocol for every UCL match:
- Never touch bed during game: Created blanket fort on living room floor if tired
- Snacks instead of meals: Ate big dinner BEFORE kickoff, only nibbled nuts at half
- Fixed commentary stream: Found one Spanish-speaking streamer who seems lucky
- Pre-game ritual: Wore same worn-out 2014 Ramos jersey while rewatching Marcelo penalty shootout compilations
The Real Test Night
When City came knocking again this year? Perfect test. Followed every step religiously:
- Started stream 15 mins early listening to Alejandro on commentary
- Taped “DO NOT EAT” sign on fridge during game hours
- Made my wife sit in designated “lucky spot” dining chair even when she wanted couch
- Full panic mode when Rodrygo scored – almost broke protocol celebrating
Hitting penalty shootouts had me sweating like Modric running extra time. But then Kepa saved! I nearly cried seeing Rudiger knee-slide. Months of ridiculous rituals actually worked this time.
Why Bother With These Steps?
Look I know this sounds crazy. Of course players win games not fans. But after years of heartbreaks? We create our own routines to feel in control. My proof? Every single UCL loss this season happened when I slipped on just one ritual – like getting pizza delivered at halftime against Leipzig.
So yeah these steps won’t guarantee trophies. But for any madridista chewing nails during knockouts? Creating personal patterns makes those pressure cooker moments slightly less painful. Worth trying your own version next season hermano.
