Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign—a tournament they have practically made their own—has taken a worrying turn. Three losses in five games have left the defending champions sitting 24th in the standings, teetering on the edge of an early exit in the competition they have historically dominated.
For a club synonymous with European excellence, this is uncharted territory.
Kylian Mbappé, brought in with sky-high expectations, has struggled to adapt to the squad, and questions loom over his ability to gel with fellow superstar Vinícius Jr. Injuries to key players like Vinícius, Eduardo Camavinga, and Eder Militao have further hampered the team.
Even Jude Bellingham, who set La Liga alight earlier in the season, has failed to find his footing in Europe, leaving fans and pundits alike wondering: What has gone so wrong?
The Mbappé Conundrum
Mbappé’s arrival at the Bernabéu was supposed to be a transformative moment, one that would herald a new era of Galáctico dominance. But his performances have yet to match the immense hype. Against Liverpool, his missed penalty epitomised the French forward’s struggles—flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency.
Pundits have noted a disconnect in Real’s attack, with Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., when fit, appearing to step on each other’s toes. Without Vinícius, Mbappé still failed to assert himself, leading former Real star Steve McManaman to call his performance “disappointing” and raising questions about how the team can unlock his true potential. McManaman even stated that Joselu would have performed better against the Reds.
Injuries and Instability
Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical options have been severely limited by an injury crisis that seems to worsen by the week. Vinícius, Camavinga, Militao, Dani Carvajal, and Rodrygo are all sidelined, forcing the Italian to experiment with untested players like 21-year-old Raúl Asencio, who has shown he will be a Real future defender.
Even Antonio Rudiger, the last fit senior centre-back, had a scare late in the Liverpool game. The absences have left Madrid vulnerable, their famed midfield control and defensive solidity replaced by uncertainty. How can a team compete at the highest level when their bench is stretched so thin?
Bellingham: Talent Stuck in a Rut
Jude Bellingham has been one of Madrid’s brightest stars this season, but even the Englishman is feeling the pressure. After an incredible start to his Madrid career, Bellingham has failed to score in the Champions League this season, and his performance in recent weeks has not matched his early form.
The midfielder himself admitted he felt like a “scapegoat” at times, especially after his showing with England at the Euros. Despite his slump, Bellingham remains crucial for Madrid. His leadership and energy are needed now more than ever. But can he rediscover his best form when his team needs it most?
The Ancelotti Question
Ancelotti, known for his calm demeanour, is showing signs of strain. His comments after the Liverpool defeat hinted at frustrations not just with injuries but also with internal pressures. “No one can give me advice about substitutions,” he quipped, possibly aimed at critics within the club.
While his past successes at Madrid give him some leeway, patience at the Bernabéu is notoriously thin. If results don’t improve, will Ancelotti still be trusted to guide the team through this rough patch?
Can They Turn It Around?
Madrid have been here before—doubted, on the brink, only to rise and conquer. Ancelotti remains confident, stating boldly, “We will qualify to the next round and compete as every year. You will see.” But the question remains: Can Madrid rediscover their identity and rally behind their stars to save their season, or will this campaign end in unthinkable failure?
The next few weeks will be crucial. With an international break offering a rare chance to regroup, Real Madrid must use the time to heal, rethink, and reignite their Champions League ambitions. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from their history, it’s that betting against Los Blancos is a dangerous game.
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