Downfall of Real Madrid's Performance in the 2024–25 Season

Despite entering the 2024–25 campaign as reigning European champions and winning both the UEFA Super Cup and the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup, Real Madrid experienced a notable downturn in form over the course of the season. Below is a detailed analysis of the factors and events that contributed to their decline:

1. Key Player Departures and Squad Transitions

• Toni Kroos Retirement: The season marked the first without midfield maestro Toni Kroos since 2013–14, following his retirement in May 2024. His absence left a significant gap in midfield control and experience.
• Nacho Departure: Long-serving defender Nacho also left, joining Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia. This further reduced the squad's veteran presence and defensive depth.

2. Critical Injuries

• Carvajal’s Long-term Knee Injury: The team suffered a blow when Dani Carvajal sustained a long-term knee injury early in the season, impacting defensive stability and forcing tactical adjustments.

3. Disruptive Results and Loss of Momentum

• End of Unbeaten Runs:
• A 1–0 Champions League loss to Lille in October ended a 36-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
• Later that month, a 0–4 defeat to Barcelona in El Clásico snapped a 42-game unbeaten run in La Liga, just one short of the league record.
• Champions League Struggles:
• Suffered multiple defeats in the group stage, including losses to Lille, Milan (1–3 at home), and Liverpool (0–2 at Anfield), undermining their European campaign.
• El Clásico Woes:
• Lost four consecutive El Clásicos in a single campaign for only the second time in club history, including a 3–4 defeat to Barcelona in May despite a hat-trick from Mbappé.

4. Managerial Change and Uncertainty

• Ancelotti’s Departure: Despite becoming the most decorated manager in the club's history with 15 trophies, Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the season, signaling a period of transition and uncertainty.
• Appointment of Xabi Alonso: Xabi Alonso was named as the new manager for the next three seasons, starting June 1, 2025, indicating a new direction but also a period of adjustment ahead.

5. League Performance

• La Liga Standing: Real Madrid finished 2nd in La Liga, with a record of 26 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses, accumulating 84 points. This was a drop from their usual standards, as they failed to secure the league title despite a strong squad.
• Super Cup Defeat: Suffered a heavy 5–2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, further denting morale and confidence.

6. Summary of Contributing Factors

• Loss of key leaders and experienced players.
• Injuries to critical squad members.
• Loss of long-standing unbeaten runs, leading to a dip in confidence.
• Poor results in high-stakes matches, especially against main rivals.
• Managerial change at season’s end, adding to instability.

Conclusion

While Real Madrid started the 2024–25 season with silverware and high expectations, the combination of squad changes, injuries, a string of damaging defeats (especially in key fixtures), and managerial transition contributed to a relative downfall in performance. The season closed with the club in a period of transition, looking to rebuild under new manager Xabi Alonso