Ajax’s David Neres sends Dani Carvajal for a spin during shock win over Real Madrid

Dani Carvajal is unlikely to forget the horrors of last night in a hurry, as Ajax’s David Neres sent the defender packing.

Real Madrid have had a week to forget. The side suffered three consecutive home defeats – two to Barcelona within three days.

But the loss to Ajax last night would probably be the hardest one to swallow for Santiago Solari and his men.

Real Madrid won the first leg 2-1. Their captain, Sergio Ramos went to the extent of picking up an intentional booking to remain fresh for the quarterfinal. It all went in vain, however, as Ajax’s young blood swept the field at Santiago Bernabeu.

The Dutch side won 4-1, becoming the first team to score four at Real Madrid’s home ground since Barcelona in 2015. With this loss, Real Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League for the first time since over three years.

It was a day where streaks were broken – and so were Real Madrid.

While Real Madrid failed to step up throughout the game, an incident in the second half summed up the dynamics of the game.

David Neres was leading an attack on Real Madrid’s defence. Dani Carvajal attempted to take the ball away from the player. However, Neres decided to show some skills and dodge past the defender, and was almost successful in doing so.

The Real Madrid supporters could do little but moan at the state of their players.

David Neres dribbling past Dani Carvajal:

Real Madrid are a club in crisis as the side have little hopes of silverware this season. The three big hopes were crushed to the ground within a week, as Real were knocked out of the Copa Del Rey and the Champions League, and fell short in the league game against Barcelona.

With a 1-0 loss against their arch-rivals, the Los Blancos are currently 12 points behind the Catalan giants, and five behind city rivals Atletico Madrid.

The gap between them and the fourth-placed Getafe has also reduced to six points, which has built further pressure on Solari. Justifiably, his job is reportedly under scrutiny.

It has been reported that Real Madrid have identified the three-man shortlists for the new manager of the side. Earlier today, former club president Ramon Calderon stated that Jose Mourinho has been contacted for the managerial role.

Dani Carvajal’s reaction:

Dani Carvajal, in his post-match interview, looked resigned and admitted that the club’s season is over.

“It is never easy coming off two defeats at home against Barca, but we came here with victory clearly in mind. But two mistakes put us 0-2 down.. And the 0-3 killed us,” Carvajal said.

“Tonight is not for looking for excuses. They were better than us and deserved to go through.

“The season is over. It is a matter of us being professional now. It’s been a s**t year.”

Santiago Solari’s reaction:

Solari, however, remained defiant and stated that the players need to bounce back strongly after the setback. The manager further insisted that he would not be resigning.

“I did not come to the club in such a difficult moment to give up,” he said.

“What we must do is remain as calm as possible in such a difficult moment and take it on with the best character.

“Madrid is bigger than any of us – it always returns – and returns even stronger.”

How Twitter reacted:

What next?

The loss against Ajax leaves Real Madrid with only 12 more games to play for the season, where they will aim to perform and put pressure on Atletico Madrid for the second spot in La Liga table.

The side faces Real Valladolid as they return to the league action on Sunday night.