The repercussions of Real Madrid’s defeat to Benfica yesterday, Wednesday, in the final group stage match of the UEFA Champions League, have not stopped at merely complicating the team’s qualification for the next round. They have extended to public demands from fans for the resignation of club president Florentino Perez, holding him responsible for the team’s current state.
Real Madrid fans attacked Perez on social media, demanding his immediate resignation after the team’s heavy 4-2 defeat to Portugal’s Benfica in the Champions League group stage. Video clips also circulated showing fans chanting loudly against the club president around the Estadio da Luz, publicly calling for immediate changes.
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A large number of Real Madrid fans strongly criticized Florentino Perez, asserting that he monopolizes the team and insists on destroying it. Others confirmed that he has become too old and cannot manage the club properly. Meanwhile, some considered him one of the best presidents in the history of ‘Los Blancos,’ but argued that he must be criticized recently because his administrative decisions are wrong.
A section of Real Madrid fans proposed ideas to restore the team to its former glory. This would involve relying on a young administrative mindset that keeps pace with the rapid changes in modern football, ending the policy of ‘smart austerity,’ and immediate intervention in the transfer market to rebuild the defensive and midfield lines.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 1902. It is one of the world’s most successful and famous sports clubs, historically renowned for its European success, including a record number of UEFA Champions League titles. The club plays its home matches at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Benfica
Benfica is a historic Lisbon neighborhood most famous for being the home of Sport Lisboa e Benfica, one of Portugal’s most successful football clubs, founded in 1904. The area’s modern identity is deeply intertwined with the club’s history and its iconic Estádio da Luz stadium.
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League is an annual club football competition organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). It was first introduced in the 1955–56 season as the European Champion Clubs’ Cup, evolving into its current format in 1992 to include a round-robin group stage. It is widely considered the most prestigious club tournament in European football.
Florentino Perez
Florentino Pérez is the long-serving president of Real Madrid CF, a Spanish football club, first elected in 2000. His tenure is most famous for initiating the “Galácticos” transfer strategy, signing global superstars, and overseeing a period of significant commercial growth and on-field success for the club.
Portugal
Portugal is a country in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, with a history deeply shaped by its Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries. This maritime exploration established a vast global empire and left a lasting cultural legacy, including the distinctive Manueline architectural style.
Estadio da Luz
Estadio da Luz, officially named Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, is the home stadium of Portuguese football club S.L. Benfica in Lisbon. Originally opened in 1954, it was completely rebuilt and reopened in 2003 for UEFA Euro 2004, becoming a modern arena with a capacity of over 64,000. It is known for its intense atmosphere and has hosted major events, including the 2014 UEFA Champions League Final.
Los Blancos
“Los Blancos” is a common nickname for Real Madrid, the prestigious Spanish football club based in Madrid. Founded in 1902, the club earned this moniker (“The Whites”) due to its iconic all-white home kit and has built a storied history as one of the most successful football clubs in the world.
