Real Madrid players criticised following Champions League exit to Bayern Munich

Real Madrid have come under scrutiny following their elimination from the 2025–2026 UEFA Champions League, after a 6–4 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich, who secured a 4–3 victory in the second leg at the Allianz Arena.

Much of the post-match discussion has centred on the controversial dismissal of Eduardo Camavinga, but some pundits believe the focus has distracted from deeper issues within the Madrid performance.

Former Arsenal and France forward Thierry Henry criticised Real Madrid’s decision-making, suggesting a lack of composure contributed significantly to their downfall.

“Real Madrid fans will point to the referee and argue that Camavinga’s second yellow card was too harsh,” Henry said. “But when you are playing away at the Allianz Arena, you cannot give the referee any opportunity to make such decisions. You have to be smarter.

“In the first half, Real Madrid looked in complete control with Arda Güler and Kylian Mbappé leading the charge, and many thought the comeback was complete. But Bayern responded strongly in the second half, took advantage of the numerical situation and dominated the game.

“That late goal from Michael Olise to make it 4–3 showed remarkable composure. Real Madrid pride themselves on comebacks, but Bayern gave them a harsh lesson.”

Former France international Emmanuel Petit echoed those sentiments, questioning the quality of certain players within the squad.

“There are players who do not have the level required to play for Real Madrid,” Petit said. “They must improve if they are to win matches of this magnitude.”

The result has intensified debate around the squad’s overall performance, with attention now shifting to how Álvaro Arbeloa’s side respond following their European exit.