Wow. This was definitely unexpected. One week you are fighting for all the trophies on offer and the following week you are left with nothing.
With two months still remaining, Real Madrid has found themselves with nothing to play for (maybe a top-four finish).
Champions of Europe for more than a thousand days, the first team since 1990 to repeat as European champions, the first club since 1976 to win the European Cup three times in a row, we all were witnesses of something special.
Ajax knocked out Real Madrid last week
It was always going to be difficult to win a fourth consecutive Champions League title but the manner in which they were eliminated by Ajax at the Bernabeu will certainly hurt the Madridstas.
Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has his hands full now and has to make some much-needed changes after a disappointing campaign.
So what changes can you bring to a club that has won four of the last five editions of club football's most prestigious tournament?
Break the bank this summer
Florentino Perez will be under pressure to make some big name signings this summer
Rising stars like Isco, Marco Asensio and Dani Ceballos have struggled to take their game to the next level while veterans like Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale, who were meant to blossom now that they were out of Ronaldo's shadow, wilted instead.
There are top players who are probably coming to the end at Real Madrid and some rejuvenation and strengthening is required.
The midfield of Modric, Kroos and Casemiro have been a shadow of themselves. Modric has entered the twilight of his career at 34 while Kroos doesn't have the legs to keep up with the young guns. Marcelo, who was considered the best left-back in the world one year ago has lost his place to 22-year-old Reguilón this season. Currently, Madrid are a team of ageing stars.
Surprisingly, Real Madrid have been quiet over the last few transfer windows. And why make changes to a squad that keeps delivering in the Champions League? But a revamp of the squad is a must now. Expect a ‘Galactico’ signing or two this summer.
Is there a Ronaldo 2.0?
Cristiano Ronaldo shocked the world when he decided to leave Real for Juventus in the summer. Let's be realistic. There is no replacement for Ronaldo. Whenever Real found themselves in a hole, Ronaldo has always found a way to get them out and deliver on the big stage.
It is impossible to replace someone who has scored 50+ goals for six consecutive seasons and 40+ goals for eight of his nine seasons in the Spanish capital. Statistically, only Lionel Messi could challenge that. Nobody expected Bale, Benzema or Asensio to hit those heights but they have more than disappointed as they've failed to score even 50 goals put together.
Clear the air in the dressing room
There are a lot of problems that need to be addressed in the dressing room. Gareth Bale is having a tough time, Marcelo too, while Isco cannot even make the squad.
It was always going to be a transitional year for Real. The departures of Ronaldo, along with the ageing stars, Real’s transitional year has been filled with struggles.
Real Madrid always manage to find a way of getting through and while fans are used to seeing a few scares in the Champions League, they weren't used to this. But things may change soon.
After all, Zinedine Zidane is back!
