La Liga
The night at Estadio da Luz ended in sporting tragedy for a group that could not contain the Portuguese storm led by José Mourinho. After succumbing four goals to two, the continental outlook has darkened drastically for the entity technically led by Real Madrid in this new era.
The result is not a mere setback, as it means being excluded from the top eight positions, condemning the team to the uncertainty of the round of 16.
In the midst of chaos, Álvaro Arbeloa has not hesitated to seek internal responsibilities, naming names and surnames to a performance he described as unacceptable for the badge. The identified individuals represent three different pillars that, for various reasons, floundered in an appointment where hierarchy was the minimum requirement to survive in Portugal.
The defensive cracks that sentenced Real Madrid in the Champions League
The fragility in the rearguard was the first breaking point in a scheme that was overwhelmed by the intensity of the Eagles from the start. Raúl Asencio endured a personal ordeal by being directly involved in the most blatant mistakes that allowed the local team's goals during the ninety minutes.
His erratic performance not only paved the way for the opponent but also ended in the worst possible way by seeing the red card before the end. This new disappointment from the central defender reopens the debate on whether he possesses the necessary conditions to maintain a starting position in a high-demand club. Real Madrid suffered in every defensive transition, making it clear that the lack of assertiveness in their own area is a problem that requires immediate and drastic solutions.

The offensive references under Álvaro Arbeloa's scrutiny
On the offensive front, the discontent of the coaching staff focused on figures that, until recently, were considered the untouchable faces of white victory.
Vinícius once again displayed a dull version, far from that electrifying player who used to decide ties with just a change of pace or an individual play. His inability to be decisive on high-voltage nights is clouding negotiations for a future extension of his contract with the Madrid institution.
The board watches with concern as their Brazilian star loses weight in collective play just as the schedule becomes more hostile and demanding. On the other hand, Jude Bellingham's situation is starting to create internal noise that will hardly be silenced if his football production does not change drastically.
The emotional and football decline of the English midfielder
The British international seems to have lost the compass that made him shine brightly during his debut campaign, now appearing as an inconsequential player. Without goals, without assists, and with an attitude denoting frustration, the former Dortmund player no longer makes those differences that justified his initial multi-million investment.
If the midfielder's performance does not regain its usual brilliance, rumors of a possible departure from Real Madrid could gain unexpected strength in the summer. It is evident that the team has lost that aura of invincibility, now being forced to compete in an extra round that will physically wear down the small squad.
The defeat against Benfica under Mourinho has exposed the shortcomings of a Real Madrid that must rediscover itself to avoid a historic failure.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 3 señalados de Arbeloa después del ridículo contra Benfica en la Champions
