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On Wednesday night, Real Madrid succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against FC Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey semi-final. Casemiro's reaction after conceding the penalty and Reguilion's tears summed up the night for the Los Blancos . They were helpless, yet had only themselves to blame for the result. Their inefficiency in front of goal had cost them the match and a place in the final.
Let's look at what are the implications of the loss for the European Champions and how it could impact their season and the future.
#3 A Summer Exodus is On The Horizon
This is something Madrid have needed for a while but now it's just a matter of when and not if. Real Madrid will have to refresh their squad going into next season. Florentino Perez needs to sell, multiple of their aging and worn out stars. The overhaul needs to begin this summer and Madrid should bid farewell to six or seven senior players.
Keylor Navas is on top of the list as there is no place for him in the squad because of Thibaut Courtois's arrival. The club understand that a goalkeeper of his caliber must play at a top level regularly and it's unlikely they will block any potential offers for him. Isco's relationship with Solari is at an all-time low. He has become somewhat disinterested in playing for Los Blancos and might be the first one to leave.
Luka Modric's time at Real might be coming to an end too. He is 33 and is not getting any younger. Inter Milan have an eye on him since the World Cup and Real could use this opportunity to cash him on. Media reports have linked Marcelo with a move to Juventus for some time now. As Real have already found his replacement in Sergio Reguilon, it would be best for him to leave gracefully rather than being forced out.
Maximum changes are possible in the forward line. Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, and Marco Asensio could all be sold to make room for new stars. Due to his impressive form, Karim Benzema might not face the axe. Gareth Bale's continuous fitness problems and his inability to adapt to Spanish Football could signal his end in the Spanish capital. As for Asensio, a return of five goals and three assists in 32 appearances is not acceptable for a player donning the famous white shirt.
#2 Only Champions League Can Salvage Their Season
The last time Real went trophyless ( not counting UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup) was in the 2014-15 season. However, as things are going this year, there is every possible chance that they might end up without silverware this campaign. Out of Copa del Rey and La Liga seemingly out of their reach, their only chance of silverware this season is the UEFA Champions League.
For a club like Real Madrid, being unable to compete for top honors is a must. Their fan base and owners are the most demanding in the world. It is evident from the fact that a team which has won the last four of the last five Champions League titles still finds itself in hot water because of their inability to win convincingly.
Only winning the Champions League can salvage their season and make it a successful one. They have done so for the past few years and have to do it again to meet their standards.
#1 New Arrivals and a New Manager
This summer, Real Madrid will have to dive into the market for new stars. Among the new arrivals would be Rodrygo Goes, who is on loan at Santos FC and is due in the Spanish capital in July. The Brazilian wonderkid, was purchased at the start of this season for a rumored €40 million and is touted for big things. Brahim Diaz will also be like a new signing when he would get his first proper pre-season. Real need to bring a top center back like Eder Militao Or Matthijs de Ligt to give competition to Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane.
A much improved Martin Odegaard, who has taken the Eredivisie by the storm will return from his loan. Mateo Kovacic could comeback from Chelsea too. Among the returnees from La Liga include Theo Hernandez form Real Sociedad, Raul de Tomas from Rayo Vallecano and Borja Mayoral from Levante.
It is their forward line where Madrid require the maximum investment. They could go for any of; Eden Hazard, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Mauro Icardi, Paulo Dybala and Mohammed Salah to strengthen the squad. A swap deal involving Bale or Asensio is an option they could use. However, if that is not possible, then Real still has the financial might to buy them directly from their clubs.
A new manager would complete their summer overhaul. Real should seek a manager with a dynamic personality and a proven track record in Europe. Candidates are the likes of Antonio Conte, Joachim Low, Mauricio Pochettino and Max Allegri fit the bill.
