Real Madrid suffered a 1-0 defeat to Getafe on Monday, marking their second consecutive La Liga loss and intensifying scrutiny ahead of their Champions League tie against Manchester City. The result leaves Los Blancos four points behind Barcelona in the title race, with fans booing the team off the pitch and midfielder Franco Mastantuono sent off in stoppage time.
Spanish media have roundly criticised the club's form since Alvaro Arbeloa took over from Xabi Alonso in January. Marca described the situation as a 'crisis' and labelled the upcoming two-legged tie against City as 'a true final' that could define the season, adding that doubts and a turbulent atmosphere are far from ideal preparation, especially with Kylian Mbappe sidelined by a knee injury.
AS columnist Tomas Roncero expressed deep pessimism, writing that believing this Madrid side can beat City and overturn the deficit to Barcelona is 'an act of faith' that has not been earned. He also highlighted Mbappe's absence, noting the French forward is reportedly seeking a second opinion after being unhappy with how his knee sprain has been handled.
Sport echoed the sentiment, calling the Champions League tie a potential watershed moment for Arbeloa and the entire project. The report stated that fans are fed up with humiliations and a lack of titles, and that no coach—whether Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, or Arbeloa—has been able to find the right formula. The matches against City, scheduled for March 11 in Madrid and March 17 in Manchester, are seen as decisive.
