What does Real Madrid needs to do to win the La Liga next season after a disappointing performance in the 2024/2025 season?

When a club of Real Madrid’s stature fails to meet expectations, especially in La Liga, it sends shockwaves through the footballing world. The 2024/2025 season saw Real Madrid stumble in crucial moments, ultimately surrendering the title race to fierce rivals. For fans, pundits, and players alike, the pressing question now is: what does Real Madrid need to do to win La Liga next season?

In this deep-dive, we’ll explore the critical areas Real Madrid must address, including tactical adjustments, player performances, transfer strategy, and managerial decisions, to reclaim domestic glory in the 2025/2026 season.

A Look Back at the 2024/2025 Season: Where It All Went Wrong

Before looking forward, it’s important to analyze what led to Real Madrid’s disappointing performance in the 2024/2025 La Liga season. Several recurring issues plagued the team:

Inconsistency in Attack

Despite having attacking firepower in names like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Bellingham, the team lacked consistency in front of goal. Real Madrid dropped points in matches they should have dominated, especially against lower-tier opposition.

Vulnerable Defensive Line

Injuries, tactical errors, and lack of depth affected the backline. Eder Militão’s long-term absence, a shaky season for David Alaba, and an over-reliance on Antonio Rüdiger created vulnerabilities.

Midfield Fatigue and Transition Challenges

The midfield trio of Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, and Federico Valverde showed flashes of brilliance but lacked cohesion in high-pressure matches. Kroos’ retirement at the end of the season also leaves a significant gap.

Lack of Squad Rotation

Carlo Ancelotti faced criticism for not rotating the squad enough. Key players looked fatigued towards the final stretch of the season, impacting performance.

Strengthening the Squad Depth: Key Transfers Needed

If Real Madrid is to win La Liga next season, investing wisely in the transfer market is non-negotiable. While Los Blancos boast one of the world’s most talented squads, depth has been a problem in long campaigns.

Target Areas for Reinforcement:

– Centre-Forward

One glaring issue has been the absence of a consistent No. 9 after Karim Benzema’s departure. Although Joselu chipped in with vital goals, Real Madrid needs an elite striker to lead the line week in, week out.

Potential Targets: Kylian Mbappé (pending decision), Victor Osimhen, or a young emerging forward like Benjamin Sesko.

– Defensive Depth

With injuries troubling the defense, acquiring a solid backup for full-back and center-back positions is crucial.

Potential Targets: Alphonso Davies (LB), Leny Yoro (CB)

– Midfield Reinforcement

Replacing Kroos will be challenging. Madrid may need a deep-lying playmaker who can control tempo while offering defensive cover.

Potential Targets: Florian Wirtz, Bruno Guimarães, or a more long-term option like Arda Güler stepping up.

Improving Tactical Flexibility

Formation Adaptability

One key reason for Real Madrid’s disappointing 2024/2025 season was a lack of tactical adaptation. Ancelotti’s reliance on a 4-3-3 or diamond midfield often became predictable. To win La Liga next season, Madrid must:

• Employ a 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 formation in select games.

• Optimize transitions between defensive and offensive phases.

• Encourage more pressing from the front to regain possession quickly.

Utilizing Squad Versatility

Players like Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouaméni have the ability to play multiple roles. Using them dynamically can give Madrid an edge in difficult fixtures.

Cultivating a Winning Mentality Across the Squad

Real Madrid’s biggest rival, FC Barcelona, capitalized on moments where Madrid mentally collapsed. For Los Blancos to bounce back, instilling a consistent winning mindset is key.

Leadership Vacuum

With Benzema gone and Kroos retiring, leadership is at a premium. Appointing a clear captain and encouraging voices like Rüdiger, Nacho, and Carvajal to lead by example can restore dressing room discipline and morale.

Focus on Young Stars’ Development

The likes of Jude Bellingham, Camavinga, and Rodrygo are the future. Investing in their psychological and technical development will shape the team’s long-term success.

Rotation and Injury Management

Injuries derailed Real Madrid’s title challenge. The 2024/2025 campaign saw key players spend crucial weeks sidelined. If Real Madrid wants to win La Liga next season, they must:

Embrace Proper Squad Rotation

Give meaningful minutes to bench players like Brahim Díaz, Fran García, and Güler to keep starters fresh for big fixtures.

Modernize Recovery and Sports Science

Other top European clubs have advanced in injury prevention and load management. Real Madrid must do the same by investing in cutting-edge sports science to keep players match-fit.

Home Form and Consistency Against Lower Teams

Real Madrid dropped far too many points at home in the past season, a far cry from the fortress Santiago Bernabéu used to be.

Convert Bernabéu Into a Fortress Again

By winning home games consistently and not underestimating smaller sides, Real Madrid can accumulate vital points early in the season.

Focus on Finishing Off Weaker Opposition

Several matches saw Real Madrid dominate possession but fail to capitalize. Madrid needs to be more ruthless in front of goal, especially against teams in the bottom half of the table.

Managerial Role: Carlo Ancelotti’s Tactical Renewal or Transition?

Carlo Ancelotti is one of the most decorated managers in football. However, his tactics were questioned in the 2024/2025 season.

Should He Stay or Go?

The club needs to evaluate whether Ancelotti still has the vision to lead Madrid to La Liga triumph or whether a younger, more progressive coach should take over.

If he stays:

• Tactical renewal must occur.

• Ancelotti must delegate more responsibilities and incorporate data-driven decisions.

If replaced:

• Options like Xabi Alonso, Zinedine Zidane (for a return), or even Julian Nagelsmann could bring fresh energy.

The Psychological Edge in El Clásico and Derby Matches

Derbies and El Clásico encounters heavily influence the title race. Real Madrid dropped points in these high-stakes matches in the 2024/2025 season.

Prioritize Mental and Tactical Preparation

These clashes are about more than tactics—they are about focus and desire. Madrid must prepare with the intensity and hunger needed to dominate direct rivals.

Capitalizing on La Liga’s Landscape in 2025/2026

With other La Liga sides going through transitional phases, including Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid has a unique opportunity.

• Barcelona may lose key players due to financial issues.

• Atlético’s aging core might not pose the same threat.

• La Liga’s lesser-known teams are unlikely to maintain top-level performance across 38 games.

Madrid needs to pounce early in the campaign, establish a lead, and build momentum heading into the mid-season fixtures.

Fan and Media Management

Real Madrid’s fanbase is arguably the most demanding in the world. Media scrutiny adds another layer of pressure.

Strengthening Club Communication

The club should improve its communication strategy—keeping fans informed and optimistic through transparency in transfers, objectives, and player development.

Rallying Fan Support

Making Bernabéu a cauldron again depends on supporters. Madrid must keep fans emotionally invested and feeling like they’re part of the title push.

Summary

Let’s summarize what Real Madrid needs to do to win La Liga next season:

Final Thoughts

Despite a disappointing 2024/2025 season, Real Madrid is not in decline—far from it. With generational talents, a modern stadium, and a world-class institution behind them, the blueprint for success is clear.

What does Real Madrid need to do to win La Liga next season? They need to plan wisely, adapt tactically, lead boldly, and execute consistently.

The 2025/2026 season could be the chapter that sees Real Madrid rise once again to the top of Spanish football. The question is: will they seize it?