Real Madrid lost to Barcelona in the Spanish Clasico and saw their longtime rivals repeat the LaLiga title in the 2025-26 season. On top of that, the result means Los Blancos will finish the campaign trophyless for the first time since the 2020-21 season.
That campaign, despite being led by three-time UEFA Champions League-winning manager Zinedine Zidane, Los Blancos faced challenges across all competitions.
First, they were eliminated from the Copa del Rey in the Round of 32 by third-division side Alcoyano. Then, they exited the UEFA Champions League in the semifinals after losing to Chelsea. Finally, Real Madrid finished second in LaLiga, just two points behind champions Atletico Madrid.
Prior to that, the club also endured a trophyless campaign in the 2009–10 season under Manuel Pellegrini, despite boasting a star-studded squad featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Marcelo.
Alvaro Arbeloa took charge of Real Madrid after Xabi Alonso’s departure.
A nightmare 2025-26 season for Real Madrid
Nothing went to plan for Real Madrid in the 2025-26 season. Xabi Alonso arrived with high expectations, but his tenure lasted only seven months as a Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona after a poor start to the campaign sealed his fate.
Only two days after his departure, Real Madrid were eliminated from another competition in a shocking loss to Albacete in the 2026 Copa del Rey round of 16.
Alvaro Arbeloa did get the team through to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, but the club’s continental aspirations were crushed by Bayern Munich.
Losing the LaLiga title to Barcelona and watching the rivals secure the trophy with a derby win sums up what a nightmare season it’s been for Real Madrid, who can’t wait to turn the page and bounce back in 2026-27.
