Predrag Mijatović delivered a blunt assessment of Real Madrid’s current problems, focusing on mentality, leadership, and complacency. On the performance, he said: “Benfica were far superior in every way.

Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a remarkable stoppage-time goal to claim a 4-2 win for Benfica against Real Madrid — sending Jose Mourinho’s side through to the play-offs as they condemned his former side to that additional knockout stage.

Real Madrid chiefs have privately admitted that their long-term transfer strategy has failed following a disastrous night in Lisbon. Reports from Spain suggest the club accepts their renewal plan to replace legends like Toni Kroos and Luka Modric has flopped,

Xabi Alonso managed just 34 games as Real Madrid manager, before being sacked after defeat in the Copa Del Ray's Clasico final. But with talk of his high-pressing, high-intensity, system "not working" at Real Madrid,

Marcus Rashford, Dayot Upamecano, Yan Diomande and Arda Güler all feature in the gossip.

Real Madrid’s struggles on the pitch seem likely to lead to action off it. Los Blancos tend to be more active in the transfer market whenever things go wrong, and if their form over the last three