Spanish media deliver brutal Real Madrid verdict before City clash

Real Madrid's 1-0 defeat to Getafe has plunged the club into crisis ahead of their Champions League knockout tie against Manchester City

Real Madrid suffered a 1-0 defeat to mid-table Getafe on Monday, losing crucial ground in the La Liga title race. Their predicament has been labelled a "crisis" with Champions League knockout ties against Manchester City looming.

Los Blancos parted company with manager Xabi Alonso in January following what they deemed underwhelming performances, with former player Alvaro Arbeloa taking charge. However, fortunes haven't turned around. They couldn't avoid the play-off round in the Champions League and their battle with rivals Barcelona for domestic supremacy in Spain has faltered in recent weeks.

The 1-0 loss this week, which saw them jeered off by their own supporters and Franco Mastantuono dismissed in added time, follows an unexpected 2-1 defeat away at Osasuna. They now sit four points behind the Catalan giants.

With Pep Guardiola's side scheduled to visit the Spanish capital on March 11 and host Real Madrid at the Etihad on March 17, City's opponents are in disarray and missing star striker Kylian Mbappe. Spanish press didn't hold back with their assessments following this latest blow.

Marca

The forthcoming encounter with City has been portrayed as Real Madrid's intimidating cup final by Marca. Having characterised the current circumstances as a "crisis", a report read: "Real Madrid continues their freefall.

"What seemed like a turnaround just two weeks ago has turned out to be a mirage and the season has once again become a disaster. The big test is now in the Champions League, where there's a feeling that Real Madrid's season hinges on it. The tie against Manchester City is a true final. A final that could be the end.

"Approaching that match with doubts, lacking confidence and with the atmosphere in turmoil doesn't seem like the best approach. And let's not forget, Mbappe is out of action."

AS

Tomas Roncero of AS took it a step further. He penned: "Until today [Monday], I dreamed of a heroic double: La Liga and the Champions League. Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but my age prevents me from being unfaithful to my heart and my tormented mind.

"Believing that this Madrid team will beat City and overcome this four-point deficit with Barca is an act of faith. But faith has to be worked for, earned, nurtured. That's not the case here."

His article also mentioned Mbappe's absence. The French superstar is dealing with a knee injury. Whilst the club have ruled out surgery, the player is reportedly unhappy with how his condition has been managed and is seeking a second opinion, undergoing tests in Paris.

The report continues: "It's clear that Kylian himself or the doctors haven't handled this knee sprain wisely and he's sorely missed. His goals were a lifeline for us. If this is going to be a long-term problem, we're in trouble."

Sport

Sport also emphasised the significance of the Champions League clashes with City, describing them as potentially pivotal occasions for manager Arbeloa. A report states: "Real Madrid fans are fed up with humiliation and are no longer staying silent.

"The supporters of the club have endured a drought of titles, good football and connection with the players over the last season and a half. It doesn't matter who the coach is: Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa... When none of them can find the right formula, the blame begins to fall on others.

"The tie against Manchester City is shaping up to be decisive and a turning point. And we're not just talking about the season; we're talking about an entire project and how it's being managed."