1947–48 Real Madrid CF season

The season is best remembered as the worst league performance by the club in its history[1] finishing on 11th spot avoiding relegation on the last round of the season[2] in spite of a great campaign of midfielder Luis Molowny scoring nine goals.[3]

After three years of construction "Nuevo Chamartín" (New Chamartín Stadium) was inaugurated on 14 December 1947 with a match between Real Madrid and the Portuguese side Os Belenenses.[4] The stadium had an initial capacity of 75,145 spectators.[5]

Meanwhile, the club fired two managers until Michael Keeping was signed for the second part of the season improving the path for the squad included a controversial 1–1 against top-league team Atlético Madrid.[6] The squad could reach a victory on 11 April 1948 against Real Oviedo 2–0 with a superb performance of Pruden saving Real Madrid from a relegation.[7]

The campaign was the first with numbered shirts (measure pioneered in Europe by Arsenal F.C. since 1928[8]) being the first match against local rivals Atlético Madrid with a 0–5 result.[9]

After saving the category, the team was eliminated in the round of 16 of the Copa del Generalísimo by Espanyol, losing the two matches of the series.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player — GK  ESP José Bañón — DF  ESP Pepe Corona — DF  ESP Clemente Fernández — MF  ESP Ortiz — MF  ESP Ipiña — MF  ESP Luis Molowny — MF  ESP Félix Huete — FW  ESP Sabino Barinaga — FW  CUB Chus Alonso — FW  ESP Vidal — FW  ESP Macala

No. Pos. Nation Player — GK  ESP Calleja — MF  ESP Antonio Alsúa — DF  ESP Guillermo Pont — DF  ESP Azcarate — FW  ESP Pruden — GK  ESP Marín — MF  ESP Gallardo — MF  ESP Moleiro — MF  ESP Rafa — FW  ESP Cabrera — FW  ESP Arsuaga — MF  ARG Rocha — FW  ARG Navarro