When the final whistle blew on Saturday afternoon, Real Madrid breathed a big sigh of relief that this season was finally over.
What a campaign it was for Madridistas, who watched on aghast as the club drifted from disappointment to scandal over the course of the campaign.
It has, of course, been another trophyless season at the Bernabéu but, in reality, that fact is only at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the issues. Disharmony is growing like a weed at Valdebebas and the direction of the club, led by Florentino Pérez, has come under intense scrutiny.
Real Madrid's Lowest Points in 2025–26
10. Home Defeat to Celta Vigo
Probably the point of no return for Xabi Alonso. Three Los Blancos players saw red during a bad-tempered 2–0 defeat at the Bernabéu back in December. Some reports claim that Florentino Pérez wanted to sack Alonso there and then, but was held back by club CEO José Ángel Sánchez. A home defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League followed. Alonso got just six more games in charge as morale deteriorated.
9. Vinicius Jr Tantrum
The first real sign that there was something seriously wrong with this season: Vinícius Jr threw his hands up in the air, shouting, "Always me" and "I'm leaving the team, it's better if I leave, I'm leaving," before storming down the tunnel after being subbed off in October's Clásico win. Alonso told reporters there would be no fine for the forward, but tensions had clearly escalated with half the locker room not on board with Alonso's ways. The incident became a portent of what was to come.
8. Home Defeat to Getafe
Madrid's second home league defeat of the season came in March, with Arbeloa struggling to close the gap on Barcelona at the top of the table. Martín Satriano's first-half strike was the difference, as an Mbappé-less Madrid failed to convert their chances. Chants of "Florentino, resign" could be heard from the Bernabéu stands, while Arbeloa called out youngster Franco Mastantuono for getting a late red after arguing with the referee.
7. Florentino Pérez's Chaos Press Conference
When Florentino Pérez called an "emergency" press conference on the afternoon of May 12, many anticipated the club president would be announcing the appointment of a new manager or making a strong statement about the recent in-fighting at the training ground. Instead, what followed was a surreal hour in which the 79-year-old railed against his perceived enemies, complained about "stolen titles" and announced a snap presidential election. In a chaos-filled season, the club's most senior figure did nothing to reassert calm.
6. Mbappé's Difficult Campaign
An uncomfortable campaign came to a head for Mbappé this spring as the forward was heavily criticized for an ill-timed vacation with his girlfriend. Reports of a bust-up with one of Arbeloa's staff on the training ground added to the drama, while the timing of the forward's post of support during the Clásico sent social media spiralling. Mbappé, who was booed during a second-half cameo in the 2–0 win over Real Oviedo, kicked things up a gear with an explosive mixed-zone appearance, during which he claimed he was "fourth-choice striker" under Arbeloa.
5. Crushing Madrid Derby
There are derby defeats and there are derby defeats. After a bright start to the league season, with six consecutive victories, Madrid got a running start against their city rivals—but the result was a devastating loss that set the tone for the struggles ahead.