Crossword Genius

Where Real Madrid are losing in spring (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spa

'spring' is the definition.
(spa can mean a mineral spring)

'where real madrid are losing in' is the wordplay.
'where real madrid are' becomes 'Spain' (Real Madrid are a Spanish football team).
'losing' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'spain' with 'in' taken away is 'SPA'.

(Other definitions for spa that I've seen before include "eg Vichy" , "Curative resort" , "Bath, possibly" , "Healthy place" , "Watering-place" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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