Real Madrid have plunged into worrying territory after suffering a humiliating 0–2 defeat at home to Celta Vigo on Monday (December 8, 2025). The result exposed far more than tactical shortcomings or an injury-stricken squad — it revealed a team stripped of leadership, character, and the winning mentality that once defined the club.
The loss inside the Santiago Bernabéu, accompanied by deafening boos from frustrated supporters, painted an alarming picture. Reduced to nine men following red cards shown to Fran García and Álvaro Carreras, Los Blancos looked psychologically broken long before the final whistle.
While injuries have affected nearly every area of the team, the deeper problem is intangible: Real Madrid have lost their leaders, their emotional anchors, and the calm voices that once stabilized them during chaos.
Now, head coach Xabi Alonso finds himself walking a tightrope. Pressure from fans and pundits is growing, and unless Madrid rediscover their identity quickly, the club risks spiraling into a prolonged crisis.
Madrid Losing Their On-Field Leaders
For all the talk surrounding injuries and squad rotation, Real Madrid’s biggest issue may lie in their lack of vocal, authoritative leaders.
In the post-Ramos and post-Benzema era, Madrid have not found a player capable of commanding the team during adversity. Against Celta, the players looked stunned after conceding the opening goal — their body language immediately dimmed, and their confidence evaporated.
In years past, figures like Karim Benzema would rally the squad. During Madrid’s unforgettable 5–2 comeback at Anfield, the Frenchman was seen calming teammates and encouraging focus, even when they were trailing 0–2. No one knows exactly what he said, but Madrid responded with a historic fightback.
Such presence is absent now. A squad full of world-class individuals suddenly looks lost when faced with pressure.
A Squad of Stars Without the Champion Mentality
On paper, Real Madrid possess some of the most talented players on the planet: Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, and a deep midfield packed with creativity and flair. Yet football is not won by talent alone.
This Madrid team falls apart mentally far too easily.
Players drop their heads quickly, lose discipline, and freeze when opponents press aggressively. The 0–4 demolition by PSG at the Club World Cup was a warning sign. Xabi Alonso promised changes, but the improvements have not arrived.
Madrid have only two wins in their last seven matches in all competitions, and just one victory in their last five La Liga outings — a catastrophic run for a club of their stature.
Tactical Confusion and the Weight of Big Names
Xabi Alonso’s tactical decisions are now under scrutiny. Critics argue that he has become hesitant, too cautious when it comes to rotating or benching underperforming stars.
The much-anticipated trio of Bellingham–Vinícius–Mbappé has not yet clicked consistently. Alonso faces the difficult task of managing superstar egos while trying to build a cohesive team structure. Some fans believe he is too reluctant to make bold decisions.
“Changes will be made,” Alonso said after the PSG defeat. But meaningful adjustments have been slow.
His challenge is clear: he must prioritize the club’s long-term tactical identity over players’ reputations — even if that means dropping a big name.
Endrick’s Mystery Role and Rodrygo’s Struggles
One of the most questioned aspects of Alonso’s management is the curious lack of opportunities for wonderkid Endrick. The teenage striker is highly rated for his physicality and explosiveness — attributes Madrid desperately need right now.
Yet despite his energy and potential unpredictability, Endrick continues to sit on the bench.
Meanwhile, Rodrygo has fallen into the worst drought of his career, going 31 matches without scoring for Real Madrid. Still, Alonso keeps starting him week after week.
Opponents have studied Madrid to the point where their attacking patterns have become predictable. Introducing Endrick could provide a crucial jolt of freshness and intensity.
If Madrid do not diversify their approach soon, they risk sinking even deeper.
Facing Manchester City: Madrid’s Last Chance to Reset
Despite the storm of criticism, Xabi Alonso remains composed in front of the media. The upcoming Champions League showdown with Manchester City could define not only Madrid’s European campaign — but also Alonso’s future.
After the Celta loss, Alonso emphasized unity:
“We are angry; this is not the match we wanted,” he admitted.
But he also stressed that the team must move forward immediately, especially with the reigning Champions League holders approaching.
“We must try to turn things around as quickly as possible. We have the City match to react and remove this bad taste from our mouths,” Alonso said.
For Madrid, performing well against City is not optional — it is essential.
A Defining Moment for Xabi Alonso
Although club executives insist Alonso will not be sacked over one domestic defeat, the truth is unavoidable: pressure is intensifying. The Bernabéu demands excellence, and patience is never plentiful.
If results do not improve — if leadership does not reemerge and the squad continues to crumble mentally — the calls for change will grow louder.
Madrid’s crisis is not just physical. It is psychological. And unless Alonso can restore discipline, identity, and emotional resilience, the club’s ambitious project could collapse.
For now, all eyes turn to Manchester City — a test that could save or shatter Real Madrid’s season.
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