Real Madrid is experiencing its worst moment in seven years, and the future is uncertain.

Real Madrid is experiencing its worst moment in the last seven years, plunged into a crisis of results that further exacerbates an already disappointing season. The Merengues, holders of 15 European titles, have not won in five of their last six matches across all competitions, suffering heavy defeats in the Champions League against Bayern Munich and drawing and losing matches that jeopardize their position in La Liga.

The last time Real Madrid went through such a dark phase was in the 2018-19 season, but even then the Merengues had reasons to celebrate, winning the Club World Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. That year, Real finished only in third place in the league, with 68 points, while this season, despite being in second place with 74 points, the situation is far from encouraging.

The team’s main issue lies in the inability – or lack of will – to secure results until the final whistle. Real Madrid’s defense has been a true nightmare in stoppage time, conceding decisive goals in four of their last six matches: at the 91st minute in the 2-1 defeat against Mallorca, at the 90th and 94th minutes in the Champions League tie against Bayern (4-3), at the 93rd minute in the narrow victory against Alavés (2-1), and again at the 93rd minute in the draw with Real Betis (1-1). To make matters worse, they also conceded a last-minute goal at the 90th minute in the defeat against Osasuna in February.

This defensive passivity highlights an excessive comfort among the players, who seem to expect goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to save them from their mistakes, something that does not always happen, especially with Andriy Lunin in goal. The truth is that, in the last 14 matches, Real Madrid has managed to keep a clean sheet only once, a feat not achieved since February 8 in La Liga. This defensive fragility has been crucial to their declines in both domestic and European competitions.

The question that arises is whether the transfer market can be the salvation for these problems. After the failure in 2018–19, Real Madrid reacted the following season with impactful signings such as Éder Militão, Eden Hazard, Rodrygo, and Ferland Mendy, who helped secure the league title and the Spanish Super Cup. For this summer, the club is preparing to invest again, particularly to strengthen the midfield with a player capable of organizing the game and to address the imminent departures of David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and possibly Antonio Rüdiger, all at the end of their contracts.

However, the addition of more stars to a dressing room already filled with egos does not guarantee a solution to Real Madrid’s structural problems. The arrival of a player of Rodri’s caliber may bring balance, but it is not guaranteed that this will improve the chemistry between Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé. Similarly, signing a new central defender may strengthen the backline, but it will not instill the necessary defensive discipline in the players.

The problems rooted at the Santiago Bernabéu will not be solved with a few new faces or even a new coach next season. The responsibility lies with the current players, who will need to show a new attitude, focus, and energy to avoid further disappointments. Otherwise, Real Madrid is doomed to extend this crisis and once again fail to meet its objectives.

The season is coming to an end, but the urgency for change is already an undeniable reality in the Madrid universe. The fans and supporters of Real Madrid expect the next season to bring more than just promises and signings: they want results, determination, and a team that once again appears unbeatable in Spain and Europe. The time to act is now.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.