Real Madrid has returned to its old habits of delivering disappointing performances, far from the expectations of its widespread fan base around the world, reaffirming once again that its problems this season are much deeper than just a temporary setback.

The royal team appeared in a very poor form against Benfica in the last round of the Champions League group stage, in a match that revealed the extent of the physical and tactical decline the team is suffering from.

Despite the goal scored by Kylian Mbappe, the first half was disastrous by all standards. Real Madrid appeared physically exhausted, lacking ideas, and without a clear tactical identity, amidst a complete inability to impose control or create collective solutions on the field.

Real Madrid's current season can be described as modest, even concerning, especially after the club's management decided to dismiss Xabi Alonso following the loss of the Spanish Super Cup to Barcelona, a move that seemed hasty and ill-considered at the time.

After signing Álvaro Arbeloa, the team was eliminated early from the Copa del Rey, but then achieved three consecutive victories against Levante, Monaco, and Villarreal. This brought back some optimism to the club's fans and suggested that the team might have found the right path.

However, this optimism did not last long, as the defeat against Benfica brought Real Madrid back to square one, forcing them to play in the playoff to qualify for the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, a scenario that was unexpected for a team that needed just one point for direct qualification.

The loss to Benfica was not just a negative result, but a clear confirmation that the team is suffering from a lack of stability, poor physical readiness, and evident tactical chaos on the field.

It is clear that dismissing Xabi Alonso was not the solution to saving the season, as the problem goes far beyond the coach. It extends to the team's structure itself, its management approach, and the unbalanced relationship between the players and the coaching staff.

Real Madrid is lacking the basics today: a clear playing style, a cohesive tactical system, and teamwork. The team relies excessively on individual solutions, reminiscent of the "Galacticos" era, which previously failed despite an abundance of stars.

Xabi Alonso, who arrived at Real Madrid carrying significant successes achieved with Bayer Leverkusen, found himself facing an arrogant locker room, players lacking discipline and the desire to work hard, in addition to a management that tends to idolize stars at the expense of the coach and the technical project.

It seems that Real Madrid may long regret the dismissal of Alonso, a coach who came with a modern mindset, clear tactics, and a vision aligned with the evolution of modern football. However, he clashed with the administration's anvil and the players' hammer, leaving before receiving the genuine support needed to get the team back on track.

What is happening at Real Madrid today confirms that the crisis is not only technical but also one of identity and system. It requires bold decisions and fundamental reforms if the royal club wants to regain its natural position among the giants of Europe.