Carlo Ancelotti's most trusted players have both spoiled and saved Real Madrid's early La Liga and Champions League title defenses.
Real Madrid came into the 2024–25 season as the favorites to top La Liga after Kylian Mbappé joined the club from Paris Saint-Germain. Through nine matches, though, Los Blancos trail Barcelona by three points and only managed draws against Mallorca, Las Palmas and Atlético Madrid. Ancelotti's side also scored just four first-half goals.
In the Champions League, Real Madrid defeated Stuttgart but then suffered a shocking loss to Lille, ending Los Blancos' 36-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. For the first time since May 17, 2023, Real Madrid was held scoreless in the UCL.
The somewhat turbulent two months highlighted the best and most disappointing players on Real Madrid before domestic action paused for the October international break.






