Real Madrid disappointed by losing 1-2 to Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu in the Champions League quarter-finals, a match in which Álvaro Carreras became the focal point of intense criticism.
Early morning April 8 (Vietnam time), Real Madrid suffered a 1-2 defeat right at their home Santiago Bernabeu against Bayern Munich, in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. This result not only put the Royal club in a disadvantageous position, but also sparked a wave of fierce criticism from supporters.
Before the match, Real Madrid had high determination to erase the disappointment following their weekend loss to Mallorca. However, despite boasting an impressive Champions League pedigree with 15 titles (compared to Bayern's 6), the Bernabeu side could not capitalize on their home advantage.
The turning point came in the 41st minute, when Luis Díaz opened the scoring for Bayern. The Colombian player made a clever move behind the defense before coolly finishing past Andriy Lunin.
Right at the start of the second half, the Bundesliga representative doubled the lead. Aleksandar Pavlović stole the ball from Álvaro Carreras, setting up Michael Olise to assist Harry Kane for a decisive shot from the edge of the box, raising the score to 2-0.
After the two conceded goals, the name criticized most on the Real Madrid side was Álvaro Carreras. On social media, many fans expressed anger at this defender's performance, stating he repeatedly made mistakes and became the "weak spot" in the defense. Some even compared Carreras to Fran García and judged he performed worse in big matches this season.
One fan stated: “I still don't understand why Real Madrid bought Carreras, can anyone explain?”
Another added: “I think Lunin could have done better in goal, but don't forget Carreras' familiar foolish mistakes.”
A third opinion commented: “The funniest thing is that Fran García has played less poorly than Carreras in Real's big matches this season.”
Another fan remarked: “Olise is simultaneously exposing Carreras' level, as well as that of Vinicius and Mbappé.”
A fifth person exclaimed: “It's astonishing how well-organized Bayern is, their collective play is extremely cohesive, and when individuals shine, the match is practically over. Olise freely 'tormented' the wing defenders.”
Another sarcastically said: “Does anyone remind Carreras that he's playing football?”
Nevertheless, Real Madrid managed to ignite hope in the 74th minute. Kylian Mbappé utilized Trent Alexander-Arnold's precise pass to tap in close-range, reducing the score to 1-2.
Despite the consolation goal, coach Alvaro Arbeloa's team faces an enormous challenge in the return leg in Germany. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich will return to domestic action against St.Pauli, while Real Madrid prepares to host Girona in La Liga before marching to Bavaria for the decisive match.