The past two weeks have been a turbulent period for Real Madrid. A crushing 4-0 defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Clasico at the Santiago Bernabéu left fans reeling. The situation was further compounded by a snub for Vinícius Júnior, who missed out on the Ballon d’Or despite a remarkable year, and a postponed match against Valencia due to severe flooding in the region.
To make matters worse, their Champions League campaign also suffered a setback as Milan handed them a 1-2 defeat at home, marking their first loss to the Italian side in 15 years. With their form faltering across all fronts, the big question is: what’s going wrong for Carlo Ancelotti’s men?
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Real Madrid is A Team Struggling for Identity
Real Madrid’s current woes are multifaceted, and it’s difficult to pinpoint just one cause. However, one of the most glaring issues seems to be the team’s lack of attitude and intensity right from the start of games. From the opening whistle, there has been a notable absence of drive, especially in the first half. They have managed to score just six goals in the opening 45 minutes across the season, a stark contrast to the 26 goals they have scored after the break. The contrast between their performances before and after halftime suggests a team that struggles to engage with games until they are in a difficult position.
Despite boasting a squad filled with world-class talent—like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham—the squad’s collective effort and mentality have been lacking. Ancelotti has yet to find a way to gel these individual talents into a cohesive unit. The inclusion of Mbappé in particular has not yet had the expected impact, and the team’s overall balance remains a work in progress. As one pundit put it: “Talent isn’t enough on its own.” This inability to get going at the start of matches, especially in big games like the Barcelona clash, has put additional pressure on the team, making their struggles even more evident.
The Aftermath of the Clasico
The reaction to their humiliating 4-0 defeat to Barcelona has raised eyebrows. Following the loss, no player provided any meaningful explanations in the mixed zone at the Bernabéu, and Ancelotti’s own press conference lacked the self-criticism that such a result warranted. “I don’t think it was such a bad game from Madrid,” Ancelotti claimed, despite the fact that his team had been outplayed and overwhelmed by their rivals.
His defensive stance in the face of such a heavy loss was telling, and it reflected a deeper issue with the team’s overall mentality. To make matters worse, Madrid didn’t return to training until Tuesday, almost three days after the defeat, while Barcelona had trained the day after their victory. This complacency, in the eyes of many, was not a good look for a team of Real Madrid’s stature.
The decision to give the players multiple days off, while Barcelona resumed training almost immediately, was another questionable move. The lack of discipline and urgency in the days following such a heavy defeat has raised concerns about the mental fortitude of the squad. Ancelotti’s failure to acknowledge the tactical issues at play was another major point of contention. As one observer noted, “He’s failed to find a solution for more than two months.”
Champions League Setback: Milan’s Stunning Victory
Madrid’s recent loss to AC Milan in the Champions League on November 5 added another layer of frustration. The game, which took place after the disappointing Clasico result, saw Milan clinch a 3-1 victory—a blow to Madrid’s hopes of securing top spot in the group. The visitors took the lead with a powerful header from Malick Thiaw, before Madrid equalized through a calm penalty by Vinícius Júnior.
However, a quickfire second-half strike from Álvaro Morata, followed by a devastating counter-attack culminating in a goal from Tijjani Reijnders, sealed Madrid’s fate. With this loss, the team’s recent form in Europe also came under scrutiny.
Tactical and Physical Preparations
Real Madrid’s tactical shortcomings are further compounded by physical issues. The team has struggled with pressing and off-the-ball work, especially in their forward line. The forwards have often appeared disconnected from the rest of the team, failing to coordinate their movements effectively. This uncoordinated pressing has led to Madrid being caught out defensively, allowing opponents to exploit the spaces they leave behind.
The team’s defense has been another major concern. With injuries to key players like Dani Carvajal, who will miss the remainder of the season, and a lack of a proper backup center-back in the summer transfer window, the defensive unit has looked unbalanced. The arrival of Mbappé was meant to add firepower up front, but Madrid still lacks the defensive solidity required for a title challenge.
Ancelotti’s failure to rotate his squad has also come under scrutiny. Players like Arda Guler and Endrick, who could add energy and creativity to the team, have been underutilized. As one expert suggests, “giving them more chances would allow them to gain confidence and show their talent.”
What Needs to Change?
To address these persistent issues, Real Madrid must find a way to improve their performance right from the start of matches. The lack of urgency and poor first-half displays are contributing to their struggles. The tactical approach needs to be adjusted, especially with players like Mbappé still searching for form. The Frenchman’s impact has been minimal so far, despite decent statistics, and Ancelotti must figure out how to integrate him better into the team’s attacking flow.
Moreover, the defensive line needs immediate attention. Despite their star-studded squad, the defense has been far from solid this season. The injury to Dani Carvajal and the underwhelming performances from Antonio Rudiger and Éder Militão further exacerbate the team’s frailty at the back. It’s clear that a centre-back addition in the January transfer window could help stabilize the defense, something Madrid missed during the summer.
Player Performances Under the Microscope
As the season progresses, many players have not been able to replicate the levels of performance that made last year so successful. Kylian Mbappé, despite his impressive stats (eight goals and two assists in 14 appearances), has yet to deliver the kind of match-defining performances expected of a player of his calibre. The same can be said for Ferland Mendy, whose form has dipped significantly since his contract renewal. Aurélien Tchouaméni, despite playing through foot pain, has not been at his best, and the previously reliable central defensive pairing of Militão and Rudiger has looked disjointed.
Jude Bellingham, who had a stellar first season, has also come under criticism. His versatile role across midfield and attack, while admirable, may have affected his output. Bellingham has yet to score this season, and his positioning in recent games—such as playing as a right-winger against Barcelona—has limited his effectiveness.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Rotation and New Faces
One potential solution to Madrid’s current plight could be greater squad rotation. Ancelotti has not given enough chances to younger talents like Arda Güler and Endrick, and integrating these players could offer fresh energy and creativity. Not only would this provide the veterans with some much-needed rest, but it could also bring about new attacking options for Madrid.
To address these issues, Real Madrid must make significant adjustments, both tactically and mentally. The key to their revival lies in improving their pressing game and making their passing faster. Ancelotti must encourage his players to work harder off the ball, especially in the forward positions. Additionally, the defense needs reinforcement. With Carvajal out for the season and questions surrounding the fitness of key defenders like Éder Militão, the club must sign a center-back in January.
In addition, pushing players like Tchouaméni or Eduardo Camavinga into defensive roles—such as centre-back or left-back—could speed up the play and alleviate some pressure on the backline. With the defense still faltering, this tactical shift may help improve ball progression while allowing more creative players on the pitch.
Real Madrid’s current troubles are a mix of tactical imbalances, individual underperformances, and a lack of team cohesion. The squad boasts immense talent, but that alone won’t guarantee success. Ancelotti has to find a way to ignite his team, particularly in the first half, and take risks with player rotations. If Mbappé, Bellingham, and others can step up, Madrid may yet turn their fortunes around. For now, however, their season hangs in the balance, and major adjustments are needed to reclaim their place at the top.
What caused Real Madrid’s heavy loss to Barcelona?
A lack of intensity and defensive errors led to a 4-0 defeat in the Clasico.
Why did Vinícius Júnior miss out on the Ballon d’Or?
His impact wasn’t considered as game-defining as other top candidates.
How did Real Madrid perform against AC Milan in the Champions League?
They lost 3-1, with defensive mistakes costing them the game.
What can Real Madrid do to improve?
Focus on intensity, better rotations, and tactical adjustments.
