Drama after away defeat? (7)
I believe the answer is:
outplay
'defeat?' is the definition.
(outplaying is a kind of defeating)
'drama after away' is the wordplay.
'drama' becomes 'play' ('play' can be a synonym of 'drama').
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'away' becomes 'out' ('out' can be a synonym of 'away').
'play' after 'out' is 'OUTPLAY'.
(Other definitions for outplay that I've seen before include "Defeat (sport)" , "As sportsperson, overcome" , "Act better" , "Get the better of" , "Excel at games" .)