Real Madrid’s recent 3-1 Champions League defeat to AC Milan has raised questions about the team’s ability to match their past European successes.
The loss not only highlights their struggles this season but also brings to light concerns about their current form in both domestic and European competitions.
Under Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership, Madrid has had an underwhelming start to the 2024/25 season. In La Liga, they trail behind fierce rivals Barcelona, unable to gain momentum or consistent results, putting them in a challenging position in the standings.
Meanwhile, in the Champions League’s new format, Real Madrid sits in a lowly 17th place, a surprising contrast to their status as reigning European champions. These results have led to skepticism about the team’s potential to replicate last year’s triumphs and secure trophies this season.
One major storyline this season has been the integration of high-profile summer signing Kylian Mbappe. The French star, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain in a high-stakes move, was expected to elevate Madrid’s attack.
While he has managed to score eight goals in 15 appearances, he has yet to consistently showcase the electrifying form he was known for in Paris. Mbappe’s adaptation to the Spanish league and Real Madrid’s system appears to be a work in progress, and some fans and analysts are concerned that he has yet to find his stride in Madrid’s forward line.
Jude Bellingham, another critical figure in Madrid’s setup, is also struggling to make his mark this season. Despite being one of the standout players last season, Bellingham has yet to score in his 12 appearances, a stark contrast to his previous form.
His lack of goals has further compounded Madrid’s attacking issues, as the team has frequently relied on individual brilliance to clinch victories. With both Mbappe and Bellingham not delivering the expected performances, Madrid’s attacking setup appears less effective and has left Ancelotti seeking solutions.
The defeat to Milan has only intensified the pressure on Ancelotti and his squad. The match exposed weaknesses in both their defense and midfield organization, with lapses in concentration costing them dearly.
The team’s struggles to hold their ground against high-quality opponents signal that there are deeper issues to address, especially as Madrid faces more competitive fixtures in both La Liga and the Champions League.
Ancelotti is reportedly concerned about the road ahead for his squad. Real Madrid’s aspirations for another European title are looking increasingly challenging, and the manager has openly acknowledged the team’s difficulties this season.
While the talent within the squad is undeniable, the lack of cohesion and consistent form has left many questioning whether they can realistically compete for top honors.
With fans growing restless and the team struggling to find stability, Real Madrid’s ambitions are at a crossroads. The pressure is mounting on both the players and Ancelotti to find a way out of this slump and reignite the team’s title hopes.
Whether they can turn the season around remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Madrid will need to address these concerns urgently to stand a chance of reclaiming their status as Europe’s best.
