Real Madrid, a club long associated with dominance in the Champions League, reached an unprecedented low on Wednesday after a 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield. This defeat, which caps off a disappointing season for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, marked an unwanted milestone in the club’s history. For the first time ever, the Spanish giants have lost three group-stage matches in a single Champions League campaign, a stark contrast to their usual European excellence.
Currently sitting 24th in the Champions League standings with just two wins from five matches, Real Madrid’s chances of advancing to the knockout rounds are hanging by a thread. This season has been a far cry from their typical superiority, as they’ve faced a series of setbacks. It all started in October when they were unexpectedly beaten 2-1 by Lille at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium, marking their first loss in the competition since May 2023. This result highlighted the vulnerability of their once-imposing European reputation, setting the tone for a difficult campaign.
Things didn’t improve in the weeks that followed, as AC Milan dealt Madrid a 3-1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu. The loss, which stunned the home fans, raised serious concerns about the team’s defensive weaknesses and inability to cope with pressure. These consecutive group-stage defeats, an area where Real Madrid typically excels, hinted at deeper issues within the squad.
The latest blow came at Anfield, where Liverpool, the Premier League leaders, produced a clinical 2-0 win. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah sealed the victory, leaving Madrid on the brink of elimination. For Liverpool, the win was historic, marking their first Champions League victory over Real Madrid since 2009 and ending an eight-match winless run against them.
For Ancelotti, this loss went beyond a tactical misstep—it was a painful reminder of how far the team has fallen from their usual standards. The Italian manager is now under intense pressure to reverse the team’s fortunes, with their position in the competition becoming increasingly uncertain. Currently 24th in the standings, Real Madrid’s margin for error is razor-thin.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s victory bolstered their credentials as one of Europe’s most in-form teams this season. It not only secured their top spot in the group but also exorcised the memories of previous losses to Madrid. For Real Madrid, however, this defeat serves as a stark warning of the challenges ahead. The path to recovery will require a significant turnaround, but for now, this Champions League campaign is shaping up to be one of their most forgettable in recent years.
