There's no 'I' in team, but there are two in Cristiano Ronaldo. What Real Madrid would have done to have him back on Tuesday night.
The Spanish giants' grip on the Champions League was loosened at last by Ajax, who recorded a stunning 4-1 win at the Bernabeu to condemn Madrid to a last-16 exit.
The result means there will be a new winner of Europe's elite competition for the first time since 2015.
It was also Madrid's first campaign for nearly a decade without Ronaldo, who swapped Madrid for Turin when he left to join Juventus for £100million over the summer.
The Portugal international enjoyed a stunning spell in Madrid, winning 16 trophies as Real enjoyed an unprecedented spell in recent European Cup history.
During his nine years in Spain, Ronaldo won three Champions League titles as the club reached at least the semi-finals in eight consecutive seasons.
The exception? His first year, 2009-10, when they were knocked out at the last-16 stage.
For a club of such rich European history, that season capped a miserable run of six consecutive exits before the quarter finals.
Following that first-season blip - when Madrid were knocked out by Lyon - Ronaldo led the club to an incredible era of success.
They reached the last four in 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13, losing to Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund at the respective final hurdles.
After three near misses, however, they finally ended their 12-year wait for victory, when they beat Madrid rivals Atletico after extra-time.
The following season they were beaten by Juventus in the semi-finals but that defeat sparked a run of three straight European titles.
In 2015-16 they beat Atletico on penalties before exacting revenge on Juve in the Cardiff final of 2016-17.
Last year, of course, they beat Liverpool thanks to a large helping hand from Loris Karius in Kiev.
That proved to be Ronaldo's final bow for the Spanish giants. And, until next season at the earliest, their last night of glory in Europe.
Venusballin
168
My dear friend, you can't objectively deny the fact that Ronaldo's absence is also part of the problem. It's not about Ronaldo fandom or anything. It's a common knowledge from plaudits and fans across the football world. Yes, Ronaldo fans may overdo it, but it doesn't change the truth. Madrid (Perez) made the costly mistake of letting Ronaldo go. That's a very stupid decision. Why do you think Barca worship Messi? As to Juventus' loss to Atletico, it's another ballgame altogether. The workings of Madrid and Juventus are different. Juventus have poor defence, hence they play defensively. This makes Ronaldo to work extra hard. That Ronaldo is still the highest scorer, in spite of these factors is impressive. Also check out his number of assists in Seria A. In conclusion: Ronaldo's absence in Madrid is not the sole factor of Madrid's nemesis, but it is a FACTOR.
Prasanth Kumar
135
This is worth Ronaldo and with out him comparison[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh] after so many years again without him Madrid is suffering. Only a fool like Bale would say that real madrid is more of a team without cr7[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
ENZOROMARIO77
125
This two were the pillars of Real Madrid and they took the glory they brought along with them
Yorokiri
116
Thibaut Courtois at Real Madrid: 32 games 9 clean sheets 37 goals conceded "I'm leaving Chelsea to win the #ChampionsLeague with Real Madrid." 😂
Shantanukalita
109
Nope AJAX finally found the acid named benzenoic acid which is always used by Barca to destroy Madrid.... 😂 😂 😂
dueartyz
95
Dont worry Ronaldo will suffer too next week after being knocked out..
Koybcdekmz
82
Real Madrid miss the king of champion league
Barça-Arsenal-10
76
Although being arrogant and selfish but a 5-times Balon D'or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. It was the finishing that Real Madrid were missing the most in the game against Ajax. If Ronaldo were there, then he would have scored (ANYWAY).Might it be a penalty or tap in, Real Madrid would have atleast survived in the Champions League. Real Madrid also missed Zidane very badly which resulted in their thrashing by Ajax.
Venusballin
58
I hope Madrid would now understand why Barca does everything to keep Messi. Perez's arrogance is killing Madrid. Coach can only do little.
dj37
52
Don't know if you call it a curse. but for a fact i know that once ronaldo leaves that void is nearly impossible to fill. Cr7 left man u back in 2009 and till date man u have been searching for a no.7. They managed few titles only through Sir Alex. After he left in 2012 man u also collapsed miserably. same is the situation of real now. and this is just a beginning. A G.O.A.T always stays that way. #luvcristiano ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️