Real Madrid are entering a critical phase of their season under less-than-ideal circumstances, just days before their high-stakes Champions League quarterfinal clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Their recent 2-1 home defeat to Valencia has cast a shadow over the squad, shaking morale and leaving the team in a visibly tense and fragile state, according to reports from Marca.
Sunday’s training session was described as one of the most somber of the season, with players looking drained and disheartened.
The loss against Valencia wasn’t just a typical league slip-up—it came with emotional weight and a sense of missed opportunity.
Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, Madrid once again struggled with poor finishing and costly defensive errors.
Valencia capitalized on Madrid’s defensive frailties and made their limited opportunities count.
Vinicius Jr., who managed to score the only goal for Madrid, couldn’t mask his disappointment after the match.
Although he found the back of the net, his overall contribution lacked the energy and spark that fans expect from him, especially in crucial matches.
The Brazilian looked disengaged and weary, which only added to concerns about the squad’s current state.
This dip in form couldn’t have come at a worse time.
With hopes of winning a treble still alive—competing for La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League—Madrid now appear vulnerable when unity and focus are needed most.
Marca described the atmosphere in the dressing room as grim, with players either unusually silent or expressing their frustrations to the coaching staff.
One source called the session “funereal,” saying the team’s demeanor resembled that of a squad who had just lost a final.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti attempted to rally the team before training, delivering a passionate speech aimed at shifting the players’ mindset.
“We’ve lost a battle, not the war,” he told them, encouraging a renewed focus on the challenges ahead.
He reminded them that champions are defined by their response to setbacks, not by the setbacks themselves.
Madrid’s coaching staff also tried to inject perspective, noting that despite the defeat, Barcelona’s draw with Real Betis kept the title race open.
But now, attention must turn to the Champions League, where any slip-up could be fatal. Fatigue is also becoming a serious issue, with injuries and a packed schedule taking their toll.
Madrid’s backline, in particular, is stretched thin, and Ancelotti is expected to include Raul Asencio, who sat out the Valencia game, in the lineup for Arsenal.
Defensively, Madrid have struggled all season, conceding more than 60 goals across competitions—an alarming stat for a team with Champions League ambitions.
The pressure from fans is also growing, especially after losing at home to a lower-ranked team.
Boos rang out around the Santiago Bernabéu at full time—an unmistakable sign of dissatisfaction.
As they prepare to face an in-form Arsenal side in London, Madrid know the stakes.
A strong result at the Emirates could swing momentum back in their favor, while a poor performance might derail their season entirely.
All eyes will be on the attacking duo of Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé, who are expected to start and will be counted on to make a difference on Europe’s biggest stage.
The team arrived in London to cheers from supporters, but behind the smiles and photo ops lies an understanding: this game is a defining moment.
A failure to deliver could see Madrid’s season unravel in a matter of days. Still, history has shown that this club thrives under pressure.
Now, they must prove it once more—because on Tuesday night, there will be no room for excuses.
