For over a decade, Real Madrid reigned supreme in the UEFA Champions League, lifting the trophy six times between 2014 and 2024. Their aura of invincibility, epitomized by dramatic comebacks like La Remontada against PSG in 2022 and a record-extending 15th title in 2024, cemented their status as Europe’s kings.
Yet, their 2024/25 campaign ended in a whimper, crushed 5-1 on aggregate by Arsenal in the quarterfinals—a defeat that exposed systemic cracks in the club’s foundation.
As their dominance fades, questions loom: What went wrong, and can they rise again?.
A Legacy Unmatched, but a Present in Crisis
Real Madrid’s Champions League pedigree is unparalleled: 15 titles, including three consecutive wins (2016–2018) and a “comeback era” under Carlo Ancelotti in 2022. However, this season’s collapse against Arsenal revealed vulnerabilities. The first-leg 3-0 loss at the Emirates Stadium was marked by tactical disarray, with stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior delivering shockingly poor performances (Mbappé received a 2/10 rating for his invisibility).
The return leg at the Bernabéu, once a fortress of comebacks, saw Arsenal’s 2-1 victory underscore Madrid’s inability to adapt under pressure.
Tactical Stagnation: Ancelotti’s reliance on individual brilliance over cohesive systems left the team exposed. Against Arsenal, Madrid’s build-up play was described as “chaotic,” with defenders like Lucas Vázquez (4/10) and David Alaba (4/10) overwhelmed by disciplined pressing.
Defensive Fragility: Madrid conceded first in 11 La Liga games this season, a trend that continued in Europe. Arsenal’s defensive mastery (Europe’s third-best xGA) exploited Madrid’s high line, with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Ska slicing through open spaces.
Over-Reliance on Aura: Past comebacks masked underlying flaws. As one critic noted, Madrid’s “Champions League aura” couldn’t compensate for a lack of tactical adjustments or midfield control.
The Road to Redemption
To reclaim their throne, Real Madrid must address systemic issues:
Managerial Transition:
Ancelotti’s impending departure (reported post-2024/25 season) opens the door for fresh ideas. Xabi Alonso, linked to the role, could bring Bayer Leverkusen’s dynamic tactics to revitalize the squad.
Squad Overhaul:
Aging defenders and inconsistent forwards demand investment. Young talents like Endrick (19) must be integrated, while underperformers like Rodrygo (2/10 vs. Arsenal) need competition.
Tactical Evolution:
Moving beyond counter-attacking reliance to a possession-based system could stabilize performances. Arsenal’s win highlighted Madrid’s inability to break organized defenses—a gap a new manager must bridge.
Mental Reset:
The team’s belief in “remontadas” has waned. As midfielder Jude Bellingham admitted, past comebacks felt “contagious,” but this squad lacked the same resilience.
Conclusion: A Crossroads for Los Blancos
Real Madrid’s Champions League exit is a wake-up call. While their legacy remains untouchable, the modern game demands evolution. Strategic signings, tactical innovation, and a renewed identity are non-negotiable. As the club navigates Ancelotti’s exit and a potential rebuild, one truth is clear: Madrid’s dominance is no longer inevitable—it must be earned anew.
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