Real Madrid's performance against Lille raised concerns for Carlo Ancelotti, leading to significant roster decisions moving forward. In their recent Champions League match, the team suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat, marking their first loss of the season. The only goal came from a penalty just before halftime, which disrupted Real Madrid's momentum and thwarted their attempts to equalize.
Spanish outlet Defensa Central highlighted that this match was one of the team's weakest showings this season, particularly as it also represented their first Champions League defeat since April 2023. Among those criticized for their performance was defender Ferland Mendy, who was replaced by Ferran Garcia after the break. While Garcia made a more noticeable offensive contribution, he struggled to manage the chaotic flow of the game.
Mendy, once considered a top defender, has had a rocky start to the season, prompting Ancelotti to substitute him frequently. The coach's frustration with Mendy's recent form has led to a decision to bench him for upcoming matches until he can demonstrate improvement. This situation is especially concerning given that Real Madrid recently extended Mendy’s contract through 2027, whereas the club is also eyeing Alphonso Davies, a potential free agent from Bayern Munich in 2025 .