“I have warned Carlo Ancelotti about that particular player, he refused to bench him, He keeps causing problems to the teams, He cost Real Madrid three points against Arsenal in the first and Ancelotti played him in the second leg again: Former Real Madrid Player and France international Karim Benzema names ONE player who doesn’t deserve to start for Real Madrid, warned Ancelotti about the unforgivable mistake”

Real Madrid’s shocking exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Arsenal has sparked a whirlwind of reactions from fans, pundits, and former players alike. But none has been more scathing and direct than that of former Real Madrid striker and club legend, Karim Benzema.

The Frenchman, who now plays his football in Saudi Arabia, did not hold back as he voiced his frustration over Carlo Ancelotti’s continued trust in a player Benzema believes is no longer worthy of a starting spot at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Benzema, who enjoyed a legendary career at Madrid and lifted multiple Champions League titles with the club, has accused Ancelotti of ignoring clear warning signs regarding this particular player. “I told him before,” Benzema said, “but he keeps playing him and it keeps costing the team dearly.”

His comments came after Real Madrid lost 2-1 at home to Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash. The aggregate score of 5-1 was a humiliating result for a club that considers European dominance part of its DNA.

Real Madrid had already suffered a heavy 3-0 loss in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, and Benzema pointed directly at one individual for both results, accusing him of being a constant liability. While Benzema refrained from naming the player publicly, insiders close to the club strongly suggest that he was referring to none other than David Alaba.

Alaba, the versatile Austrian defender, has been a mainstay in Ancelotti’s lineup, but recent performances have drawn criticism from fans and analysts. His lack of pace, questionable positioning, and frequent lapses in concentration have led to costly goals – something Benzema believes could have been avoided if Ancelotti had benched him.

The former Real Madrid No. 9 did not mince his words: “In the first leg, he made mistakes that cost us goals, and yet Carlo started him again in the second. It’s unforgivable. You don’t get second chances at this level.”

Adding to the weight of Benzema’s claims, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also spoke candidly after the match. He emphasized the lack of cohesion in the squad and hinted at individual errors leading to their downfall. “We play too individually at times. When teams double-mark players like Vini or Mbappé, we struggle to adapt,” Courtois admitted.

There is also a growing belief within the club that Ancelotti’s loyalty to certain senior players is hurting Real Madrid’s chances of evolving. With a wave of young talent knocking on the door, including Arda Güler and Fran García, many supporters are now demanding a new direction.

Benzema’s remarks have intensified the spotlight on Ancelotti, who has already been under pressure due to inconsistent domestic performances and questionable tactical decisions in key matches.

The defeat to Arsenal marks the first time in five years that Real Madrid will not feature in the semifinals of the Champions League – a staggering statistic for a club of their stature. The blow is particularly painful considering the level of investment in the squad over recent years.

Adding salt to the wound is the fact that Real Madrid struggled to score goals in both legs. Despite dominating possession, they lacked a true centre-forward who could convert chances. Benzema highlighted this problem as well, noting that Joselu – who fits the profile of a traditional No. 9 – was left on the bench when the team desperately needed a goal scorer.

In his post-match comments, Courtois hinted at a similar frustration. “Without a target man, we keep swinging in crosses with no one to connect,” he said. “You need someone who can finish those chances.”

Ancelotti now faces one of the most difficult stretches of his managerial career. With pressure mounting from fans, media, and even club legends like Benzema, the Italian tactician will need to make some bold decisions heading into the final stretch of the season.

The board, led by Florentino Perez, is unlikely to tolerate further setbacks. While Ancelotti retains support for now, the club’s exit from Europe might be the tipping point. If Real Madrid fails to lift the La Liga title, there’s growing speculation that the Italian’s reign could come to an end.

Meanwhile, Benzema’s comments have gone viral among fans, many of whom agree with his blunt assessment. Social media has been flooded with messages from supporters calling for major changes in the starting eleven and demanding accountability from senior players.

As for the player in question, whether it is David Alaba or another underperforming member of the squad, the heat is now firmly on. The Santiago Bernabéu faithful are unforgiving, and one more mistake could prove to be the last straw.

One thing is clear: Karim Benzema’s words have stirred the pot, and Real Madrid can no longer ignore the internal frustrations bubbling beneath the surface. Whether Ancelotti will finally take heed remains to be seen.