Real Madrid have won six of eight matches in August and September, averaging 2.35 non-penalty expected goals (npxG) per 90, up from 1.60 last season despite fewer passes. Their 2–1 derby loss to Atlético saw them record a season-low 0.38 npxG.
Shots rose from 16.6 to 17.6 per 90 as open-play passes fell from 463 to 416 and final-third passes from 109 to 86. Final-third passing expected threat (xT) shifted centrally, up from 0.17 to 0.32 per match, while the left-side figure fell from 0.33 to 0.22. Opponents’ PPDA rose from 11.4 to 14.1 and Madrid’s recorded second-ball wins fell from 3.9 to 2.6 per match; opposition npxG remained close to last season’s level, at 1.09 versus 1.13.
With the score level across 331 minutes, Madrid averaged 2.35 npxG per 90 and allowed 0.67. They played only 61 minutes while trailing, averaging 0.35 npxG and allowing 1.88; the source notes those rates are especially sensitive to individual chances. The comparison covers eight current-season matches—seven league and one European—versus 52 last season, with a different competition mix and different opponents.
