When were things last this bad for Real Madrid?

## Real Madrid's Struggles Highlight Growing Discontent

Real Madrid is facing challenging times, compounded by recent defeats that have left fans and critics questioning the team’s direction. After a significant loss to Barcelona, Madrid suffered a disheartening 3-1 defeat to AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The atmosphere in the stadium was tense, marked by fans’ whistles directed first at the Champions League anthem, potentially reacting to a perceived snub in awards and then at coach Carlo Ancelotti and his players as the game ended.

Supporters showed signs of a disconnect, possibly leaving early in resignation. This dissatisfaction reflects broader issues within the club as visiting teams like Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have exposed Madrid’s vulnerabilities.

Memories of previous challenging seasons, like 2018-19, resurface as the team grapples with current unmet expectations. An unwritten rule at Madrid suggests that coaches might not stay if they fail to secure significant titles, raising questions about Ancelotti's future despite previous successes.

The team is also grappling with the absence of personalities such as Toni Kroos, whose leadership is deeply missed. Recent performances reveal a lack of quality and character on the field, with more losses accumulated in the early season compared to the last entire season.

Ancelotti has been candid about the struggles, acknowledging difficulty in achieving balance and defensive cohesion. Internally, there are reports of growing tensions, suggesting a need for reinforcement, especially in defense—a challenge exacerbated by injuries to key players like David Alaba.

Amid these trials, the form of players like Kylian Mbappe has become a focal point, with questions arising about performance levels expected from a player of his caliber. Young talents like Arda Guler and Endrick are also under scrutiny, as their limited playtime fuels speculation.

Madrid faces a daunting Champions League fixture against Liverpool, highlighting the urgency for improvement and cohesion within the team.