Real Madrid in Crisis: Three Losses in Five Games Raise Doubts Over Champions League Future
Real Madrid, the 15-time European champions, are facing a dire situation in the Champions League. After suffering a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday, the Spanish giants find themselves in an unfamiliar position, sitting 24th in the group table. This leaves them with a real challenge to qualify for the next phase of the tournament, something they have long dominated.
In the revamped Champions League format, the top eight teams automatically advance to the last-16, while those ranked 9th to 24th enter a two-legged playoff. With Real Madrid currently languishing in 24th place, they face the genuine threat of not reaching the knockout stage—a scenario unthinkable for a club that has made the competition its own for decades.
Mbappé and Bellingham Struggle
Despite the presence of marquee stars like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, both players had little impact on the game. Mbappé’s penalty miss was particularly telling, encapsulating a night of frustration for the defending champions. Bellingham, the rising English star, conceded that Liverpool were “more up for it” than Real Madrid, while pundits have expressed concern over the club’s current form, calling it “alarming.”
This defeat marks Real Madrid’s third loss in five Champions League matches, matching the number of defeats they had in their previous 24 games in the competition. So, what is going wrong for the club? Could they really be on the verge of elimination from the tournament they’ve become synonymous with?
Mbappé: A Star Struggling to Settle
Mbappé’s much-anticipated move to Real Madrid has been overshadowed by a lack of standout performances. The months of speculation surrounding his transfer, the immense pressure of his high wages, and the huge expectations have not translated into consistent form. His struggles on the pitch are becoming a focal point.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman criticized Mbappé’s performance, stating on TNT Sports: “We haven’t seen the best of Mbappé tonight. Madrid needed him, and he flattered to deceive.” McManaman added that the Spanish press would be unforgiving, especially given the weight of expectation surrounding the Frenchman. Real Madrid’s rough patch has been compounded by the underperformance of their star players, and the added baggage surrounding Mbappé’s high-profile transfer has only intensified the pressure.
Mbappé’s difficulty in finding his best form has raised questions about his role in the team. The challenge of fitting him into a lineup with Vinicius Jr.—another player who plays a similar attacking role—has also proven tricky. With Vinicius Jr. sidelined through injury, Mbappé was expected to step up, but he failed to make an impact. Despite this, Bellingham has backed him, saying, “Kylian is a wonderful player, and the pressure on him is huge. The penalty miss is not the reason we lost the game. He’ll bounce back and produce more big moments for this club.”
Bellingham, Injuries, and Ancelotti’s Dilemma
While Mbappé has been underperforming, Bellingham’s own form in the Champions League has also been concerning. Despite a stellar start to the season, the England international has yet to score in the competition. His performance at the Euros was also scrutinized, and pundits have suggested that his dip in form is part of a broader issue for Real Madrid, with the 21-year-old not yet living up to expectations.
Even more worrying for manager Carlo Ancelotti is the growing injury list. Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury in the Liverpool defeat, joining a list of key players on the sidelines. Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Aurelien Tchouameni, David Alaba, and Eder Militao are also injured, leaving Ancelotti with limited options.
Ancelotti, who led Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League titles last season, is under increasing pressure. Despite his success, there are whispers within the club about his future, with some suggesting he may struggle to turn things around given the current circumstances. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague remarked that Ancelotti’s recent comments, in which he defended his decision-making in press conferences, indicated growing frustration. “He feels people in the club are doubting his ability to turn this around,” Balague said. “But he knows time is limited at Real Madrid.”
Real Madrid’s Champions League Troubles: Pressure Mounts
Real Madrid’s crisis has only intensified with the defeat to Liverpool, a team they had not lost to in eight previous Champions League meetings. This result, combined with their overall struggles in the competition, has left fans and pundits alike questioning whether the club can really qualify for the knockout rounds.
Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand described Real Madrid’s current form as “alarming.” He added, “When you have superstars, you can turn your season around at any point. But right now, the football is a big concern.”
However, Ancelotti remains confident. Despite the mounting pressure, the Italian coach remains determined to guide his team through this difficult period. “We will qualify for the next round and we will compete as we always do,” he said after the Liverpool defeat. “You will see. We are going through.”
The road ahead for Real Madrid is undoubtedly challenging, but with their pedigree in Europe, they will be hoping that their star players—especially Mbappé—can rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most.
