Real Madrid raises alarms: 'Has raised doubts since the start of the season'

Real Madrid, the undefeated Champions League winners of 2023/24, find themselves in a position few would have predicted so early in the 2024/25 campaign.

After a flawless run in Europe last season, their second game in the current edition of the competition saw them fall unexpectedly to French side Lille. The shock defeat has raised alarms within the club, leaving fans and officials alike questioning the team’s form. The way Real Madrid crumbled in France is a stark contrast to the composed and dominant side that lifted the trophy just a few months ago. In the locker room, the mood was somber, with one player reportedly stating, “We hit rock bottom,” as reported by Spanish newspaper 'Marca.' This phrase, echoing the sentiment of disappointment, signals a deep-rooted concern within the club about how the team is handling the new season.

The defeat to Lille didn’t just cost Real Madrid points; it also exposed cracks that had been forming since the beginning of the season. Despite having secured the UEFA Super Cup and holding a respectable second place in La Liga, the team has been under scrutiny for their inconsistent performances. According to 'Marca,' doubts about the squad’s form have persisted since the opening matches of the season. Their early domestic success and a European title haven’t been enough to dispel concerns. The inconsistency in their play, even when achieving results, has caused murmurs of discontent among fans and management. The leadership, while expressing confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back, cannot ignore the issues that are becoming more apparent with each passing game.

One of the most worrying aspects of the team’s performance is their apparent lack of intensity. The loss to Lille was not just a tactical defeat; it highlighted a stark difference in work rate and physical effort between the two sides. The French team outworked Real Madrid in nearly every aspect, covering more ground and maintaining a higher intensity throughout the match. This discrepancy is particularly troubling for a team like Madrid, which is known for its high standards and ability to perform under pressure. The statistical comparison between the two teams only deepened the concerns, with Lille covering significantly more kilometers than the reigning European champions. This lack of intensity has been a theme in Madrid’s season so far, and it’s something that the club will need to address quickly if they hope to remain competitive on all fronts.

For a club of Real Madrid's stature, expectations are always sky-high. Winning the Champions League comes with a level of pressure that demands consistent excellence, and any deviation from that standard invites scrutiny. The team’s struggles this season have been compounded by tactical issues, injuries, and perhaps a hangover from the previous campaign’s success. While their position in La Liga remains strong, their performances have often lacked the sharpness and authority that characterized their play last year. The leadership is well aware that a club like Real Madrid cannot afford to be complacent, and the “unease” mentioned in reports reflects the understanding that the team is underperforming relative to their potential.

Additionally, there are growing concerns about individual players' form. Several of Real Madrid’s key players have not yet hit their stride this season, and the inconsistency in their performances has contributed to the team’s overall struggles. The absence of certain star players through injury or poor form has placed a heavier burden on others, and some have failed to deliver in crucial moments. The result is a team that, while still immensely talented, has not yet found the cohesion and balance required to dominate opponents as they did in previous seasons.

In the aftermath of the Lille defeat, there will likely be serious discussions behind closed doors at Real Madrid. The club’s leadership, while maintaining outward confidence, will be acutely aware that changes may be necessary to get the team back on track. Whether it’s tactical adjustments, lineup changes, or a renewed focus on fitness and intensity, something needs to shift if Madrid are to regain the form that saw them conquer Europe so convincingly last season.

With tough fixtures ahead in both La Liga and the Champions League, Real Madrid cannot afford to let these early doubts fester. The pressure is now on manager Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching staff to identify the problems and implement solutions swiftly. The club’s fans, who have grown accustomed to success, will be watching closely, expecting a response worthy of their team’s illustrious history. For now, the alarms are ringing at the Santiago Bernabéu, and it remains to be seen how the team will respond to the growing concerns surrounding their performance.