Lack of ideas in the final third. No clear structure going forward. Shaky composure at the back. What didn’t Real Madrid lack?
To make matters worse, their only goal in the 5–1 embarrassment came from a defensive gift by Arsenal.
The defending champions looked anything but champions, getting battered across both legs by an Arsenal side chasing their first ever Champions League crown. If Madrid were trying to defend their title, they sure had a strange way of showing it.
Individual Brilliance vs Structure and Cohesion
Yes, this was the game the whole football world watched – but this has been the story of their season. It’s honestly a surprise they made it this far in the Champions League.
Their win against a struggling Manchester City only gave them a false sense of strength. And as for their second-place spot in La Liga? Only the heavens know how they’re still up there.
How often do you see Real Madrid with no real control or rhythm, yet somehow, out of nowhere, they score? You don’t see the build-up, you don’t feel the momentum. Then, in the blink of an eye, the ball’s in the back of the net.
While this ability is impressive – and even admirable – when it becomes your primary attacking pattern, it raises a few questions. What it really points to is one thing: individual brilliance.
Madrid has a catalogue of exceptional talents. It’s on the back of that talent that they’ve managed to stay competitive in La Liga. But the cracks are there, and when they face teams with strong structure and cohesion, they often collapse like a Jenga tower.
Barcelona’s 4–0 win at the Bernabéu showed it. Arsenal’s 5–1 aggregate demolition confirmed it. The moments of magic can only carry them so far, so where is the tactical brilliance from the squad?
Across both legs of the tie, Los Blancos managed to create just one big chance – 180 minutes of football, plus added time, with almost nothing to show for it creatively.
As embarrassing as the scoreline already was, it could’ve been even worse if not for Thibaut Courtois, who pulled off a string of outstanding saves to keep the damage from becoming a total humiliation.
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Real Madrid Are Beginning to Experience a Tactical Stagnation Under Ancelotti
Ultimately, it all comes down to Carlo Ancelotti’s lax tactical approach. He’s leaned heavily on the individual brilliance of his squad.
While this worked in past seasons, it’s becoming increasingly ineffective – and maybe it’s time to ask the question: Is it time for a managerial change at the Bernabéu?
There’s no denying Ancelotti’s success. He’s been a master at managing personalities and getting the best out of stars like Vinícius Junior, Karim Benzema, Rodrygo, and Federico Valverde.
But perhaps the time has come for Madrid to be more adventurous – to seek a manager with a bold, tactical identity that complements the immense talent at their disposal.
With the progression they are on, the squad could just end up a 2.0 version of the Galactico, all the barks with the immense collection of talents, but no bites to back it up.
Silverware? A Slim Chance
As things stand, winning any silverware this season would be a surprise for Real Madrid. Their last real hope lies in the upcoming Copa del Rey final against Barcelona – a team that’s already beaten them twice this season.
And I say last for a reason. Because to me, the idea that they’re still in the La Liga title race is a façade, even if the gap is just four points. The performances tell a different story.
With the way the reigning champions have been performing lately, a third defeat against Barcelona doesn’t just feel possible – it feels inevitable against a rejuvenated Hansi Flick side.
Maybe this rough patch will prove to be a blessing in hindsight – a turning point that pushes Real Madrid to seek fresh leadership. But the real mistake would be sticking with Ancelotti even if he managed to scrape a trophy.
We’ve seen this kind of mistake before – Manchester United held onto Ten Hag after a disastrous season just because he won the FA Cup. Real Madrid can’t afford to make a similar error.
Ancelotti may yet deliver a trophy, but that shouldn’t distract from the deeper issues. Madrid has always been a club that makes bold, decisive choices – now is the time to do just that. The future of the club could hinge on it.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Pressinphoto
Recording Date: 16.04.2025