Real Madrid Cannot Win the Champions League 2025/26

Former star Craig Burley asserts that Real Madrid lacks the capability to claim victory in this season's Champions League, due to unconvincing performances and tension spreading from the stands to the pitch.

Despite Real Madrid recently overcoming Benfica to secure their place in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16, doubts about the true strength of "Los Blancos" continue to grow strongly. In a recent interview on ESPN FC, former Chelsea midfielder and Scotland international Craig Burley poured cold water on the ambitions of coach Alvaro Arbeloa's squad to win their 16th title.

According to Burley, the current Real Madrid operates in an unstable manner. He points out a paradox at the Santiago Bernabeu: the pressure from fans sometimes becomes a "double-edged sword" that stifles the home players.

“When you watch Real Madrid play, as other teams start to control possession, the crowd grows more restless. And as they grow more restless, the players become more tense. The match against Benfica remained very tense until the final moments.”

Burley believes the 3-1 aggregate win over Benfica in the play-off round was merely the result of isolated moments of individual brilliance, exemplified by Vinicius Junior's goal, rather than stemming from a superior tactical system. He candidly stated: “I don't see anything that makes me think they have a chance to go far in this tournament. I could be wrong, but I don't think they can do it.”

The biggest problem for the team under Alvaro Arbeloa, according to Burley, is that they haven't truly faced high-caliber tests. He believes the fatal flaws of Los Blancos will be exposed as soon as they confront top contenders in strong form like Bayern Munich, Arsenal, or rivals Barcelona.

“I don't see any indication that when they face a truly strong team... be it Bayern or PSG, or Arsenal, I think they will pay the price because they are simply not playing well. They have missed too many chances and are again depending on miraculous moments.”

Burley's warning gains more ground when looking at the upcoming schedule. Under the new bracket system, Real Madrid's only potential opponent in the Round of 16 could be Manchester City or Sporting CP.

Real Madrid stars like Thibaut Courtois and Aurelien Tchouaméni also foresee a fateful scenario against Manchester City—the team that eliminated them in previous seasons. If they do not quickly improve their play and reduce their reliance on individuals, Real Madrid's Champions League dream could shatter early in the first knockout round.