It has been a difficult year for Real Madrid. No remontadas, no Champions League epics, no cigar for the departing Carlo Ancelotti.

The Xabi Alonso era was supposed to bring the good times back quickly. Instead, the new manager is now under considerable pressure after a run of two wins from eight games across November and December — during which time a five-point La Liga lead over defending champions Barcelona turned into a four-point deficit.

There have been some bright moments — and it is hard not to marvel at the goalscoring form of Kylian Mbappe, who has really come into his own, on and off the pitch.

But overall the feeling is one of disappointment, and hope that a new year can bring better. Here, our Real Madrid correspondent Guillermo Rai looks back.

What was Real Madrid’s best moment of 2025?

It might seem strange to say it now, but on good feelings alone, the best moment of the year was surely Alonso’s arrival as new manager back in late May.

The start of a new era sparked enormous excitement among Real Madrid fans following Ancelotti’s departure.

Alonso and Florentino Perez at the manager’s presentation in June (Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images)

“Let the rock and roll begin,” Alonso said in a press conference after taking up the position. It was seen as a declaration of intent and a promise that the team’s play would be more attractive. The new signings of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono sparked even more excitement.

However, that feeling has faded badly since, to the point where Alonso’s future is in jeopardy.

What was the worst?

The 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on April 8 was probably the most painful of a trophyless season.

Despite the problems Ancelotti’s team went through last term, they managed to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League with some optimism after defeating Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in the previous rounds.

But they came up against Mikel Arteta’s team at their best, and they clearly dominated the first leg. Arsenal were once again superior in the second leg at the Bernabeu, winning 2-1. That 5-1 aggregate scoreline reflected the huge gap in quality between the two teams.

What was Real Madrid’s best game of 2025?

The Clasico win at home to Barcelona on October 26. Although the 2-1 victory may be considered a narrow result, Madrid dominated and played brilliantly, especially in the first half.

It was particularly significant considering they had lost their previous four meetings with Barca. However, Alonso’s team have badly stumbled since that high point. The win put them five points clear of Barca in La Liga. They now trail them by four points following a rotten run over November and December.