Real Madrid suffered a crushing defeat against their Portuguese hosts, Benfica, losing 4–2 in a match played on Wednesday evening at the Estádio da Luz in the final round of the Champions League group stage. It was a night of great disappointment for the Royal Club’s fans.
The defeat was more than just a minor setback; it prevented Real Madrid from qualifying directly for the Round of 16. Their points tally remained at 15, leaving them ninth in the standings and forcing them into the European play-offs, a scenario the team had not anticipated before the match.
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A strong start from Benfica and confusion from Madrid
Benfica entered the match with great confidence, capitalizing on home advantage and the strong support of their fans. They imposed their rhythm early on, exploiting the clear defensive disarray in Real Madrid’s ranks. The Portuguese side ended the first half in the lead, placing the Spanish team under significant psychological and tactical pressure.
Despite Real Madrid’s attempts to get back into the game in the second half, individual errors and poor defensive positioning allowed the hosts to maintain a clear advantage, which resulted in two more goals that sealed the victory before the final whistle.
Arbeloa’s anger erupts after the final whistle
According to the Spanish newspaper Defensa Central, the defeat against Benfica sparked intense anger from Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa, particularly after failing to secure direct qualification to the Round of 16 and being forced into the play-offs.
The frustration was not only collective; it was directed specifically at Raúl Asensio and Arda Güler following their disappointing performances during the match.
Asensio under fire… and a red card deepens the crisis
Raúl Asensio became the focus of heavy criticism within the coaching staff after a disastrous defensive display. He committed repeated errors that cost the team crucial goals, before his night worsened further with a red card in the final minutes, leaving his side a man down at a critical moment.
Arda Güler’s protest sparks outrage
Arda Güler was also among those who drew anger, as he openly protested his substitution during the match. Arbeloa considered this behavior unacceptable and inconsistent with team discipline, especially in such a decisive game.
According to the report, the Spanish coach made a firm decision to exclude both players from the starting lineup for the foreseeable future, sending a clear message that mistakes and emotional outbursts will not go unpunished.
Real Madrid faces a tough test in the Champions League play-offs
As a result, Real Madrid now faces a more complicated path in the Champions League, needing to overcome the play-offs to keep their continental hopes alive, amid growing questions about the team’s stability and its ability to recover before it is too late.
The upcoming stage appears crucial not only in terms of results, but also in shaping major tactical decisions that could significantly alter the Royal Club’s starting lineup.
