Real Madrid’s recent dip in form has sent shockwaves across the football world. 

After a strong start to the season, Los Blancos have suddenly hit turbulence, leaving everyone questioning what has gone wrong. 

The last week has been particularly troubling, as a narrow 0-1 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League was followed by a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga. 

These results not only dented their momentum but also allowed rivals Barcelona to close the gap in the league standings.

Even beyond Spain, observers have started to notice cracks in Real Madrid’s performance. 

Many are wondering whether something deeper is affecting the chemistry within Xabi Alonso’s star-studded squad.

Who’s saying what?

Among those voicing concern are several Premier League legends who did not hold back in their criticism. 

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville openly questioned the team’s unity, saying, 

“Don’t you get the feeling that the players don’t get along with each other?” 

Neville went on to suggest that the issue could stem from the dynamics between “the top players,” referring to Vinícius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham.

His comments were echoed by another football icon, Roy Keane, who expressed frustration over what he described as excessive theatrics during the Liverpool clash. 

“How many times were they rolling around on the ground?” he asked, pointing out his irritation at Real Madrid’s “diving” throughout the game against Liverpool. 

Meanwhile, former England international Jill Scott also weighed in, highlighting the incident involving Vinicius. 

She remarked on the “little tap on the face” that the Brazilian appeared to exaggerate inside Liverpool’s penalty area.

Adding to the criticism, Paul Scholes, another Manchester United legend, was blunt in his assessment: “He took a dive,” he said. 

Yet Keane was quick to note that this issue is not exclusive to Real Madrid, remarking,

“I don’t understand it, it happens with Liverpool too: they throw themselves on the ground for five minutes pretending to be in pain. 

“And then they get up as if nothing happened,” he noted.

The reaction from these former greats underscores the growing scrutiny surrounding Real Madrid’s recent performances. 

Whether the concern lies in tactics, attitude, or dressing-room harmony, one thing is clear that the team’s aura of dominance is starting to show cracks.