Madrid Facing Crisis Amid Poor Form: Kroos’ Departure and Mbappé’s Struggles

Madrid (AFP) – Just six months after their Champions League triumph, Real Madrid finds itself plunging into a crisis. Following a heavy 4-0 defeat to rivals Barcelona in the Clasico at the end of October, Los Blancos suffered another damaging loss on Tuesday at home to AC Milan in the Champions League, falling 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The squad, star-studded on paper, was outclassed in front of their own fans, with French forward Kylian Mbappé continuing to struggle. He has only scored once in his last six appearances for the club, highlighting concerns over Madrid’s overall balance this season, particularly in light of adjustments made to accommodate him.

But Mbappé is not the sole issue. Madrid’s defense has been leaking goals, and the midfield is lacking both patience and creativity. With Barcelona sitting nine points clear at the top of La Liga and Madrid dropping two of their opening Champions League fixtures, Carlo Ancelotti’s job is now under heavy scrutiny. The coach admitted after the Milan loss: “The players have to take a step forward, and I have to with them. We lack solidity, and we must work together more efficiently.”

In recent weeks, Madrid has conceded nine goals in their last three matches, all at home, underlining Ancelotti’s concerns. With captain Dani Carvajal sidelined through injury, Lucas Vazquez has filled in at right-back, weakening the defense. The absence of Toni Kroos, who retired in the summer, has left a noticeable void in midfield. Kroos was known for controlling the tempo of matches, a skill Fede Valverde has struggled to replicate.

Jorge Valdano, former player and coach at Madrid, pointed out the impact of Kroos’ departure. “Madrid have lost many things without Kroos. His presence was a cure for the team’s balance, giving them the patience they needed and the ability to accelerate when necessary,” Valdano explained.

Ancelotti has also struggled to find a permanent position for Jude Bellingham, who was instrumental in Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League success last season but has been displaced by Mbappé’s arrival. Both players, particularly when played together, fail to offer much defensive support, exacerbating Madrid’s problems at the back.

The situation remains tense for Ancelotti and his players, with upcoming matches against Osasuna and Leganes offering a potential respite before a crucial Champions League clash against Liverpool at Anfield.