Real Madrid’s summer plan accelerates after Arsenal disaster

There was no miracle in the game against Arsenal. Not even close. Opta gave Madrid a 4% chance—96% went to the other side and in the end, logic triumphed over the impossible.

After a week where “comeback” was said a million times, I have to blush. There was no comeback. No victory. Nothing. Just a stumble that started at the Emirates and ended at the Bernabéu. Now the club is in a state of emergency. And a clear obligation emerges: win the Copa del Rey.

There’s no alternative. It’s match point—for Madrid and for Ancelotti. Because knocking out Barça on April 26, along with staying in the LaLiga fight until the end, is the only lifeline for Carletto. From dreaming of a treble to a full-blown crisis cabinet. That’s how it is—that’s Madrid.

A club that doesn’t do half-measures, where even the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup started to feel meaningless once Barça overwhelmed them in Jeddah. A brutal loss (2–5) in Saudi Arabia, followed by missteps in LaLiga.

Just when the 37th league title seemed within reach, the stumbles began: losses to Espanyol (1–0) and Betis (2–1), draws with Atleti (1–1) and Osasuna (1–1). And then the blow from Valencia (1–2). Meanwhile, Barça kept racking up wins—three points at a time. They flipped a seven-point deficit into a four-point lead. Add in the first-leg 0–4, and it was the first crack in a season that, despite two titles, now feels full of doubt.

When is Real Madrid’s next game?

Recovering the goal average feels like a fantasy, but the mission is clear: reach El Clásico still alive. Before that, there’s Athletic Club at the Bernabéu (Sunday), then a trip to Getafe (April 23)—a visit to the dentist. A perfect six points isn’t just a goal—it’s a must. To stay in the title race and line up revenge against Barça. Then, with three games left, pray for a slip-up. That’s the only way.

Real Madrid’s poor record against Barcelona

But first comes that match point. Forget BeSoccer’s 16.5% chance for Madrid in LaLiga—this is a coin toss. And once again, it’s Barça on the other side. Not just historically, but right now. Because Flick has figured Ancelotti out. With friendly fire (1–2 in New Jersey), and in the real battles too. The season’s running total: 2–9. Winning the 21st LaLiga would be the only shield against the rumors—and the perfect springboard into the future. But losing to Barça again—a fourth straight time, and in a final—would leave Madrid reeling.

Who will Real Madrid sign in the transfer window?

With LaLiga as the last burning hope, the transfer market would light up. Especially with the renewals of Modric and Lucas (both contracts end June 30), and Alaba (2026) up in the air. Extensions won’t come easy. A potential clear-out looms. The only confirmed signing—pending the final details—is Alexander-Arnold. But more defeats would crank up the pressure to sign. The roadmap includes a centre back and a midfielder.

Dean Huijsen is a favourite. Madrid likes him, and he likes Madrid. But the $68 million needed to pry the 20-year-old from Bournemouth makes them think twice. Still, he fits the bill. Because if Madrid doesn’t move, the Premier League (Chelsea, City, Liverpool) will. He’d be a natural successor to Alaba. The need for a young defender to refresh the backline is crystal clear.

Same goes for midfield, although the urgency is lower. Thanks to Tchouaméni’s rise after hitting rock bottom. Thanks to the faith in Camavinga, despite a season of injuries and inconsistency. And Ceballos? When fit, he’s shown glimpses of German-style control. Still, Martín Zubimendi is a great fit. Madrid has already staked its position, ready for a final assault come season’s end. Everything hinges on this last sprint—in LaLiga, in the Copa del Rey, and yes, in the Club World Cup. Titles define everything. They’re Madrid’s thermometer.

Will Carlo Ancelotti leave Real Madrid?

That was the big question after the Arsenal collapse. “My future? I don’t know... and I don’t want to know,” he said with a half-smile on the pitch. But his face changed when asked: Do you see yourself coaching Madrid in the Club World Cup? “I can’t talk about that now.”

Does he feel it might’ve been his last game? “It could happen, I don’t know. The club might want change. It could be this year, maybe next. No problem. When I leave, I’ll only do one thing: give thanks. Whether it’s in a day, a month, a year—I’ll thank this club. Nothing more.”

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