Real Madrid has entered a downward spiral that shows no signs of ending anytime soon, at least not with the version of the team under Carlo Ancelotti.

Let’s not forget how they managed to overcome a two-goal deficit against Borussia Dortmund in the previous Champions League group stage match. No one can deny that in that game, the reigning European champions responded immediately and decisively. But everything changed in their next two matches.

First, they faced their fierce rivals in La Liga. What seemed like a more balanced clash turned into a rout, with FC Barcelona completely dominating and winning El Clásico in a 4-0 blowout. This result didn’t sit well with the club, but alarms hadn’t gone off yet, given that the season is far from over.

After this game, Real Madrid decided not to attend the Ballon d'Or ceremony, following reports that Vinícius Jr. wouldn’t win the award (for those looking for more drama, there it is).

Their match against Valencia was postponed due to the DANA weather phenomenon hitting the city, so they didn’t return to the field until this week against AC Milan.

In that match, the Italian team managed to control the game against a Real Madrid squad far from its best form, exposing them at the Santiago Bernabéu in Vinícius Jr.’s first game after the Ballon d'Or gala. While Vinícius scored, collectively, the team couldn’t make a difference, suffering a 3-1 defeat.

The second consecutive loss for Real Madrid, with seven goals conceded and only one scored.

With limited time to course-correct, many questions remain, and Carlo Ancelotti knows it. Now, they have no choice but to turn the page and hope for improvements against Osasuna and Leganés in La Liga, as they brace for a crucial Champions League showdown against an undefeated Liverpool in the competition’s new format.