Real Madrid’s stunning Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal has sent shockwaves through the Spanish capital. A 5-1 aggregate defeat has ignited a firestorm of criticism, targeting players, coach Carlo Ancelotti, and even club president Florentino Pérez. The Bernabéu faithful have even voiced their displeasure with stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, highlighting a palpable sense of unease within the club.
The whispers around Ancelotti’s future are growing louder. Questions about his tactical decisions and game management have been raised, and the atmosphere surrounding his post-match press conferences has been described as funereal. While a domestic double is still within reach, with the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona looming and a close LaLiga title race, the Champions League elimination overshadows these potential triumphs. The team’s unconvincing performances throughout the season are a stark contrast to their potential.
Real Madrid’s struggles are evident in their alarming number of losses this season – a total of eleven. Heavy defeats to Barcelona (4-0 and 5-2) and other significant losses to AC Milan, Liverpool, Espanyol, Real Betis, and Valencia underscore the team’s inconsistency. The absence of key defenders Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal has certainly impacted their defensive solidity, but the disconnection between the front four – Mbappé, Vinícius, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo – and the rest of the team is equally concerning. Dani Ceballos has been a rare bright spot, showcasing remarkable composure and efficiency.
Ancelotti himself has acknowledged the team’s shortcomings. He cites a lack of “collective attitude” and “balance,” highlighting a significant departure from the “collective commitment” that characterized their successful 2023-24 season. This shift in team dynamics is further evidenced by the stark difference in distance covered by the players compared to their opponents in the Champions League matches against Arsenal. The data reveals that Madrid’s players, particularly Mbappé and Vinícius, spend a considerable amount of time walking instead of running, a concerning trend for a team aiming for the top.
The defensive statistics also paint a worrying picture. A significant increase in goals conceded and a decrease in ball recoveries compared to the previous season highlight a clear decline in defensive performance. Even Mbappé’s goalscoring prowess hasn’t been enough to compensate for this defensive vulnerability. The team’s reliance on a large number of crosses in the second leg against Arsenal, without a reliable target man like last season’s loanee Joselu, further exposes their tactical limitations.
The absence of players like Joselu, Nacho, and the impact of Carvajal’s injury have exposed weaknesses in the squad’s depth and overall team spirit. The club’s summer transfer window strategy has also come under scrutiny, with a lack of adequate replacements for key departures highlighted as a significant contributing factor to the team’s struggles. The potential arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold and the pursuit of Dean Huijsen are steps towards addressing these concerns, but significant changes are needed.
Ancelotti’s future hangs precariously in the balance. While he insists there’s no rift with Pérez, his refusal to definitively address his future beyond the end of the season fuels speculation. The upcoming Copa del Rey final and the remaining LaLiga matches will be crucial in determining his fate. The possibility of an interim manager for the inaugural Club World Cup adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Names like Xabi Alonso are being mentioned as potential replacements, but the timing and logistics of a managerial change present considerable challenges.
Ultimately, Real Madrid’s current crisis extends beyond just player performances or tactical decisions. It’s a systemic issue that requires a comprehensive overhaul, addressing squad depth, tactical flexibility, and perhaps even a change in leadership. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether Real Madrid can successfully navigate this turbulent period and return to their former glory.
