Real Madrid Faces Challenges in Recent Seasons
Real Madrid began their 2024/25 domestic season on a strong note, but as the months progressed, they stumbled, ultimately conceding the La Liga title to FC Barcelona. The team could not find solace in other Spanish trophies, having reached the final in both the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de España, only to fall short against the same rival that clinched the league title.
On the European front, Real Madrid aimed for the Champions League trophy. Finishing the league phase in 11th place, they advanced to the knockout stage after completing the play-offs. The team triumphed over Atlético Madrid in the round of 16 but was unable to mirror this success in the quarterfinals against Arsenal.
As for the current 2025/26 season, Real Madrid’s situation appears to worsen, distancing them from their former reputation as an unbeatable side. In the Copa del Rey, they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Segunda División’s Albacete Balompié. The Champions League has also eluded them once more, as they again failed to reach the semifinals, this time losing to Bayern Munich.
While Real Madrid has not yet lost ground in La Liga, Barcelona’s nine-point lead indicates a challenging race for the trophy. Currently, it seems like yet another season could conclude without adding any trophies to the club’s renowned collection.
What’s Not Working?
It may be tempting to attribute Real Madrid’s challenges to inadequate leadership within the squad, but the ongoing changes of coaches have failed to resolve the issues. Many insist that the responsibility lies with the club’s president, Florentino Pérez, who is suggested as a factor contributing to the team’s struggles. While his influence on the current drought may be under scrutiny, his stance on the matter has been made explicit. According to Diario Sport, he addressed the players directly following the Champions League defeat:
“You know that being a Real Madrid player is a privilege for a footballer, and everyone wants to wear our club’s shirt. On top of being a privilege, it is also a responsibility, and many of you have not lived up to that responsibility. You have not lived up to the standards of the club” (Own translation from Spanish)