As 2025 draws to a close, Real Madrid finds itself enveloped in uncertainty and disappointment. The club’s ambitious summer signings and a managerial change were expected to rejuvenate the squad, but the anticipated results have failed to materialize. This past year has been marked by exhaustion and frustration, prompting fans and analysts alike to ponder the “what-ifs” that linger in the air as the holiday season approaches. Could different decisions have altered the course of their season?
One glaring moment of reflection revolves around Declan Rice’s role during set-pieces. The Arsenal midfielder’s stunning free-kick double effectively dashed Real Madrid’s Champions League hopes in 2025. His two goals, one of which earned a spot on the Puskas Award shortlist, came in quick succession, leaving Madrid reeling. But could a different choice of free-kick taker have changed the outcome? In reality, it’s unlikely. Over two legs against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, Madrid struggled to assert themselves as the dominant side. Even if they had managed to overcome the Gunners, a daunting clash with Paris Saint-Germain awaited in the next round—a matchup that had already been foreshadowed during the Club World Cup where Madrid was comprehensively outplayed.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: A Missed Opportunity?
The arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Santiago Bernabéu was a high-profile transfer that many considered a masterstroke. His unveiling, conducted confidently in Spanish, highlighted the long-standing admiration between player and club. Signing him on a free transfer—excluding a nominal fee paid to Liverpool for his Club World Cup eligibility—seemed like an opportunity too good to pass up. However, had he renewed his contract with Liverpool, Madrid would likely have remained patient, allowing Lucas Vázquez to extend his stay while continuing to rotate other right-backs like Fede Valverde and Dani Carvajal. The club capitalized on market conditions rather than an urgent need for reinforcement.
The Ancelotti Dilemma
Carlo Ancelotti’s departure left a significant emotional void at Real Madrid. The club’s most successful manager exited under circumstances that felt inevitable, given his waning tactical influence and the underperformance of a talented squad. Enter Xabi Alonso, who arrived with high expectations but soon found himself grappling with the immense pressure of managing such a storied club. Instead of instilling his vision, Alonso has often resorted to pragmatism amid mounting scrutiny. Would Ancelotti’s continued presence have sparked a revival akin to the resurgence seen in the 2023-24 season? Or would it have led to an even more challenging scenario culminating in a mid-season dismissal? The truth remains elusive; however, Madrid’s current struggles suggest that deeper issues may be at play.
As Real Madrid reflects on 2025, it is clear that this year has been one of missed opportunities and lingering questions. With their Champions League aspirations dashed and managerial stability in question, fans are left wondering what could have been if key decisions had swung differently. As they step into 2026, can they turn these lessons into future successes?
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