When Real Madrid trembles

Under the guidance of new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid suffered a painful defeat against Bayern Munich in the 2025-2026 Champions League.

Real Madrid has lost its "kingly" mentality in the Champions League - Photo: AFP

From the ambition of a brilliant season when they brought legend Xabi Alonso back to Bernabeu, only to have him leave after just 7 months, Real Madrid is now adrift under the reign of new coach Alvaro Arbeloa and just suffered a humiliating defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

In the early hours of April 8th, Real Madrid suffered a 1-2 defeat against Bayern Munich at their home stadium, Santiago Bernabeu, in the first leg of the 2025-2026 Champions League quarter-finals.

Too much for Mr. Arbeloa?

The 2025-2026 season began with high expectations from Real Madrid fans. After coach Carlo Ancelotti left, President Florentino Perez brought Xabi Alonso back to Madrid.

Alonso was expected to be the "new Zidane," a sophisticated strategist with a "winning DNA." However, top-level football has no place for fairy tales. Alonso left after just seven short months, when Real Madrid lost to Barca in the Spanish Super Cup final, and they fell further behind their rivals in the La Liga standings.

Alvaro Arbeloa, who was coaching the youth team, was promoted as a stopgap measure. However, it seems the head coach position at Real Madrid was too big for the former defender. In his debut match in the Copa del Rey, Arbeloa suffered a bitter defeat, being eliminated in the second round by the underdog Albacete.

The recent defeat against Bayern Munich is the clearest evidence of the disparity in coaching abilities. While coach Vincent Kompany showed exceptional composure with his modern ball-possession style and excellent adaptability, Arbeloa's Real Madrid appeared disoriented.

Stars like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius, and Jude Bellingham, despite their best efforts, could not compensate for a disjointed tactical system. The Madrid team lacked cohesion and, especially, confidence – something that was once their hallmark in European competitions.

The Spanish coach has a fleet of "supercars," but he apparently doesn't have a driver's license to operate them at top speed.

Mbappe scored but Real still lost - Photo: AFP

Facing a trophyless season.

A trophyless season is more likely than ever for Real Madrid. The last time they went without a trophy was the 2020-2021 season, under coach Zinedine Zidane.

But back then, at least they still had the chance to fight until the final round of La Liga and reach the Champions League semi-finals. Now, however, all doors seem to be slamming shut in front of the royal club.

In La Liga, the bitter defeat against Mallorca in round 30 widened the gap with arch-rivals Barca to 7 points. With their rivals displaying devastating form, it will not be easy for Real Madrid to turn the tide with only a few rounds remaining in the season.

In the Champions League, the 1-2 defeat in the first leg at home puts Mbappe and his teammates in a difficult position. To progress, they need a stellar performance at their opponent's Allianz Arena.

But looking at how Kompany's Bayern completely dominated the first 70 minutes at the Bernabeu, even the most optimistic fans had reason to worry. Real Madrid were almost a shadow of their former selves. Real no longer resembled the "king" of Europe, but instead trembled on their own home ground.

The center of attention is none other than Kylian Mbappe. The French star arrived in Madrid as a king, dreaming of conquering the prestigious Champions League trophy. However, Mbappe is becoming a symbol of disappointment. He looks lost in coach Arbeloa's system, lacking his usual sharpness. And it seems he is being weighed down by the immense pressure of expectations.

The glory of 15 Champions League titles is fading, giving way to the current disillusionment. If they fail to spring a surprise in Munich next week, Real Madrid will almost certainly continue their disappointing season.

A trophyless season is not only a disaster in terms of titles, but it also signals a deep crisis in the structure and direction of Real Madrid.

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THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/khi-real-madrid-run-ray-20260409095833016.htm