Real Madrid face second straight trophyless season: Gloomy future after humiliating defeat at Camp Nou
Kevin Hand (Theo Al Jazeera English)
Real Madrid suffered a crushing 0-2 defeat at Camp Nou, ending their La Liga title defense and marking their second consecutive trophyless season. The loss exposes deep internal problems, including tactical conflicts around Kylian Mbappe, dressing-room fights, and uncertainty over the futures of Vinicius Junior and the manager.
Real Madrid have just endured a second consecutive trophyless campaign, a rare setback for the most decorated club in La Liga and Champions League history. The final blow came in the worst possible way: a 0-2 loss on the pitch of arch-rivals Barcelona, sealing the Catalans' successful defense of the Spanish league title.
Before the match, Real Madrid still held a slim hope of victory. But the first half ended 2-0 in Barca's favor, and the outcome was all but decided. Despite desperately trying to limit the damage, the defeat was a shock to a club that has won 36 domestic titles and 15 European crowns.
Finishing second is not unusual in La Liga's two-horse race. But the manner of the team's decline this season — from a Champions League quarterfinal exit to unconvincing domestic performances — has left more questions than answers in the Spanish capital.
The Mbappe puzzle
The signing of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain two seasons ago was expected to herald a new galacticos era. In reality, the French striker's arrival disrupted the 4-3-3 system that had brought success under Carlo Ancelotti.
Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, two key players, were forced to adjust their positions to accommodate Mbappe, who likes to drop deep and carry the ball. This tactical conflict eventually led to Ancelotti's departure and the appointment of Xabi Alonso.
Alonso's brief tenure quickly soured. Despite Mbappe scoring 24 goals (leading the La Liga scoring charts), friction between player and manager simmered. By January 2026, Alonso was sacked, and Alvaro Arbeloa took over as interim head coach until the end of the season.
Late in the campaign, a petition with over 33 million signatures called “Mbappe out” emerged, reflecting fan fury at the French star. Rebuilding Mbappe's relationship with teammates and supporters will be the top priority for the coming season.
Internal strife and Vinicius's future
Before the campaign against Mbappe, Vinicius himself had been a target of criticism. Booing echoed at Bernabeu after a dismal run of form, including a Champions League quarterfinal loss to Bayern Munich. The Brazilian went 19 matches without scoring between October and January. His only goal in that period came in the Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona — Alonso's last game in charge.
Rumors of Vinicius leaving Real Madrid have spread, with Manchester United reportedly the first to make an inquiry. However, every major European club would be ready if Real decides to sell the 25-year-old to restructure the squad around Mbappe, the club's biggest commercial asset.
Valverde and Tchouameni altercation
Just days before El Clasico, a dressing-room fight broke out between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni. The result: Valverde was hospitalized with a head injury and sidelined for several weeks. Both players were fined the next day, but Tchouameni still started at Camp Nou.
If Real decides to let one of them go to prevent toxicity from spreading further, the transfer market will heat up once more.
Who will be the next manager?
Finding Alonso's permanent replacement is priority number one. Several strong candidates have been mentioned:
Jose Mourinho: Won La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup with Real from 2010–2013. His defensive, pragmatic style was once criticized. But with the gap between Real and Barca widening, fans may have to accept his approach. Mourinho currently manages Benfica and has denied contact with Real. Still, his experience and winning mentality remain assets.
Jurgen Klopp: Known for bonding players with fans; won the Bundesliga and Champions League. His energetic style could be the morale boost a crisis-hit squad needs.
Julian Nagelsmann: Young German coach (38), currently managing the German national team. Could leave after the 2026 World Cup. A risk at his age, but his three years at Bayern Munich offer experience.
Didier Deschamps and Zinedine Zidane: Deschamps may end his tenure with France's national team but has limited club experience. Zidane, who previously led Real to success, is also rumored to be returning.
Massimiliano Allegri: Won five Serie A titles with Juventus; boasts an impressive record.
The job of managing Real Madrid has become extremely difficult. But the rebuilding must start now, from the ashes of the Camp Nou defeat.
