Real Madrid has been eliminated from the Champions League at the hands of an Arsenal that was clearly superior in both matches. The difference in play between the two teams was evident. The Whites, with more will than ideas, ended up falling without showing their best version.
The elimination has hurt the Madrid environment. Jorge Valdano, a regular analyst on Movistar and a former player of the club, hasn't held back in analyzing what happened. The Argentine has directly pointed out what the team's big problem is... and the solution it needs.
Lack of order in the midfield
Valdano said it bluntly: "Without Kroos, they can't find their way." For him, the absence of the German has left a void that no one has been able to fill. Without that player who provides pause, clarity, and sense to the game, Madrid has sailed without a compass.
"They need a guy like that," Valdano emphasized, making it clear that Kroos's profile is essential. And it's not just a matter of technical quality. It's a matter of mind, of knowing how to read the games, of organizing the play when chaos reigns.
A necessary signing
Valdano's reflection points to the market. Real Madrid needs to sign a midfielder who can organize, who knows how to lower the pulse when the team gets out of control. Someone who not only touches the ball but also thinks with it.
Players like Kroos are not abundant, but the White club must find a replacement. Because without that anchor in the middle, the team falls apart. And that's what happened against Arsenal, both in the first leg and the return.
Anxiety: Another enemy
Valdano also spoke of another problem: anxiety, "The game lacks calm," he explained. He was right, the team rushed, crossed from the midfield, without elaboration, without patience. They barely created clear chances, everything relied on a miracle... but this time it didn't come.
Criticism of VAR and respect for the group
Finally, Valdano didn't overlook the refereeing. He was very critical of the use of VAR: "It was a bad call, in Mbappé's penalty we waited six minutes, it can't be." He questioned the intervention in plays that, in his opinion, should have been left in the hands of the main referee.
Even so, he left a message of respect toward the Madrid players: "They've made it news not to reach the final. That's a huge merit." Words that honor a generation that has made history... but now needs a new compass in the midfield.