Real Madrid is going through an unprecedented crisis following its Champions League elimination at the hands of Arsenal. Two crushing defeats, 3-0 at the Emirates and 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, have unleashed an internal storm within the club. At the center of the controversy is captain Karim Benzema, who has not hesitated to publicly point out the “dangerous obstinacy” of coach Carlo Ancelotti, sparking a debate that shakes the team’s foundations.
The first match against Arsenal in London was a complete disaster for Real Madrid. The team lost 3-0 in a match where the midfield, usually the driving force of the Merengue team, was completely overwhelmed. Jude Bellingham, one of the team’s emerging stars, had a performance to forget. He lost key balls, failed to dictate the pace of the game, and left spaces that Arsenal exploited with surgical precision. The lack of control in midfield allowed the Gunners to deploy their attacking play unchallenged, leaving Madrid in a difficult position heading into the second leg.
Hoping to overturn the home result, Real Madrid went out to the Santiago Bernabéu with the obligation to give their all. However, things didn’t improve. Despite the return of some regular starters, the midfield once again proved to be the Achilles’ heel. Bellingham, once again, failed to live up to expectations. His efforts to connect with the attack were fruitless, and the team failed to create clear-cut chances. Arsenal, meanwhile, remained calm and won 3-1, sealing Madrid’s elimination from the Champions League. This double defeat has called into question Ancelotti’s tactical decisions and fueled tensions within the dressing room.
After the match, Karim Benzema didn’t hold anything back. In a statement that has caused a stir, the captain expressed his frustration with Ancelotti’s management: “I begged him to change, but he’s sticking with the same strategy. We can’t keep making the same mistakes and expecting different results.” Benzema also took aim at Bellingham, stating that the young Englishman “isn’t performing at the level Real Madrid needs in decisive matches.” According to the Frenchman, the team needs midfielders capable of controlling the game and making a difference, something that, in his opinion, Bellingham has failed to achieve in this tie.
Benzema’s criticism has placed Carlo Ancelotti in a difficult position. The Italian coach, known for his composure, now faces enormous pressure to make drastic decisions. Should he relegate Bellingham to the bench and make way for other players? Is it time to rethink his tactical system? Benzema’s words reflect a sense of urgency resonating in the dressing room and among the fans, who are demanding immediate changes to save the season. Ancelotti, however, has defended his approach, arguing that the team needs time to adapt to the new dynamics.
The Champions League exit is not only a sporting blow, but also a turning point for Real Madrid. The relationship between Benzema and Ancelotti, two pillars of the club, appears to be at a critical point. The captain’s public statements suggest a rift that could have long-term consequences. Meanwhile, Bellingham, despite his undeniable talent, is under scrutiny from fans and the press. His ability to respond to criticism and regain his best form will be crucial to his future at the club.
Real Madrid is facing a period of uncertainty. Ancelotti’s stubbornness, according to Benzema, could cost the team dearly. The upcoming matches will be decisive in determining whether the Italian coach can right the ship or if, on the contrary, the Whites will face an even deeper crisis. For now, the eyes of the football world are focused on the Santiago Bernabéu, where the next chapter of this saga will be written.
