In the build-up to Wednesday's night Champions League quarter-final tie at the Bernabeu against Arsenal, it felt like there was only one word on every Real Madrid fan's mind - remontada.
That means "comeback" in Spanish, and while previous Real Madrid teams have rallied from difficult positions to win, that never seemed likely with this team. Real were 3-0 down from a disappointing first-leg display at Emirates Stadium but, bar a brief moment of belief when Vinicius Jr cancelled out Bukayo Saka's second-half opener within two minutes, the holders never threatened to overturn the deficit.
Instead, Arsenal won both of their matches against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, making them the only team to do so. Gabriel Martinelli struck in stoppage time to secure a stunning 2-1 victory and 5-1 success on aggregate.
The post-mortem has already begun and, as Real Madrid face up the prospect of not being in the Champions League semi-finals for just the third time in 12 seasons, Carlo Ancelotti knows the questions about him and his players won't be going away anytime soon.
The Italian, who took charge of Real for a second time in 2021 and has won the Champions League three times with the club, stated, "We have the dark side and we have the bright side." "We have managed the bright side many times, we have won titles, we have won games. Although we have been eliminated from the Champions League, we still have three competitions for which we must remain focused. Guillem Balague, an authority on Spanish football, added, "Real Madrid are at a crossroads." They have a squad in need of refreshing.
"The defeat to Arsenal hasn't caused a reset, it has simply confirmed the need for it. For Ancelotti the message will be clear - it's time to move on."
Is the Ancelotti era over? It wasn't supposed to be this way.
A lot of people were wondering how this superstar-filled Madrid team could be stopped when the Spanish giants signed Kylian Mbappe in the summer after his contract with Paris St. Germain expired. Many pundits suggested they couldn't.
, external
But after losing their European crown following the limp exit to Arsenal and facing a big fight to defend their La Liga title with Barcelona four points clear in top spot, Real's season is already being seen as a failure.
"This Real Madrid team is not at the level that these supporters expect," former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson told BBC Radio 5 live.
"That's why I wouldn't be surprised if there were some changes at some point."
Ancelotti's future has been a subject of discussion in Spain for the majority of the season.
In his second stint, the 65-year-old has won 11 awards, including two league titles, two Champions Leagues, and the Fifa Club World Cup. Ancelotti is contracted until 2026 and - linked with the vacant Brazil job - has previously said he will discuss his future in the summer.
Asked if he would still be in charge by the time the Club World Cup begins in June, Ancelotti said: "I can't speak about this right now.
"It could be that the club decide to change [coach]. It could be this year - or the next when my contract expires, there's no problem.
"It could be tomorrow, in 10 days, in a month or a year, but all I can do will be to thank the club - if my contract's up or not, I don't care."
Ancelotti's managerial record is impressive and deserves respect, having won 20 major trophies, including five Champions Leagues, with two of them at AC Milan.
But, with Bayer Leverkusen boss and former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso linked with a return,
, external
the club's hierarchy could decide now is the time to make the change.
On BBC Match of the Day, French football journalist Julien Laurens stated, "He won't be there next season." "This was an embarrassment for Real Madrid. To lose 5-1 against a very good Arsenal team, but you still are the reigning champions and have some of the best players in the world."
Balague added: "Ancelotti thrives in environments with quality players who don't need to be over-coached.
"His job, in many ways, has been to keep the dressing room harmonious, egos balanced, and the belief high that Real Madrid can win any game, simply because they are Real Madrid. And that worked, to a point.
"But this season has highlighted the limits of that approach. Madrid have run less than their opponents in key games, while the second tier of talent - Arda Guler, Brahim Díaz and even Endrick when available - have been underused.
"The load has fallen on a core group that now looks physically and mentally exhausted."
How do Real Madrid rebuild?
Many would argue the summer dismissal of Ancelotti would be an overreaction.
After all, the Spaniards are still in with a shout of defending their La Liga title and have a Copa Del Rey final looming against Barcelona.
But after winning a 15th Champions League and La Liga last season, there's no hiding the fact this one has been disappointing so far.
They have lost 11 games in all competitions, while their performance in both legs against Arsenal were alarming.
They were a distant second best in the first leg and, while their fans did their part in the return with plenty of noise at the Bernabeu, the players failed to do theirs.
Real did not manage a shot on target until 10 minutes into the second half, while their leveller came about after an uncharacteristic mistake by William Saliba.
"There was no plan tactically, it was an absolute mess," Laurens added.
"They must alter, and they must alter their manager and policy." Balague admitted: "The warning signs have been there for months.
"Their Champions League elimination at the hands of Arsenal feels like a reckoning, the culmination of a season where, despite results, things have often looked off.
"Every match has been a grind. This Real Madrid side has looked like a team running on fumes."
The next season's transformation has already begun. It appears that Trent Alexander-Arnold will arrive from Liverpool in the summer, and there may be other notable departures. "They need to make big calls now," said Laurens. Do you intend to keep Vinicius Jr.? What do you do with Rodrygo. It just cannot continue because that front four cannot work together."
Balague also believed the squad needed a significant refresh to get the club back to where they want to be.
He said: "This is a squad that needs new energy. Toni Kroos has never truly been replaced, the midfield lacks control. While Luka Modric remains a legend, the need for someone who can control the tempo without being 39 years old is obvious.
"The club has to face hard decisions this summer. Modric and Lucas Vázquez [contracts] may not be renewed. David Alaba, if a good offer comes in, could be allowed to leave."
In order to ensure that they are quickly competing for Champions League titles once more, Real Madrid will need to make some significant decisions in the coming months.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0