Doubters point the finger at one Madrid player for Champions League collapse

Camavinga’s comeback against Atlético Madrid led him straight into the hall of lost causes. His season isn’t coming back — and even less so now, with accusatory fingers pointing at his performance against Arsenal, where he played a key role in the collective collapse in London.

His season first cracked in the Super Cup final in Jeddah, with that clumsy penalty on Gavi — and there’s no miracle fix in sight. At the Emirates, it all hit a new low: once again, recklessness in the penalty area (his avoidable foul on Thomas) handed Declan Rice the 2–0. A déjà vu with Cama. His worst sin, on his worst day.

Camavinga’s fourth season in Madrid has been one of sporting regression. Tchouaméni opened the door by performing well; Camavinga closed it on himself. Against Arsenal, suspended Tchouaméni’s absence forced Camavinga into the pivot role — and the pressure swallowed him whole. And this was despite Ancelotti offering a bit of tactical therapy right up until the final training session in London. Camavinga returned from the Emirates with bruises to his spirit — that red card in stoppage time, born of pure frustration, remains inexplicable — and with a dent in his hopes of claiming the team’s No. 5 role any time soon.

And the signs were already there. In the narrow 2–1 win over Rayo Vallecano just a month ago, even Ferland Mendy completed more offensive passes. But in the Champions League game against Atético Madrid at the Metropolitano, when it mattered most, he came alive. Ancelotti was quick to offer reassurance after those earlier performances: “He hasn’t played at his best in the last few games... but in the toughest match, he showed up, playing well offensively and defensively.” A mirage, in hindsight.

Strangely, this has been the season of his best numbers — on paper. Despite everything, he’s technically defending better than ever. He’s recovering more balls — 10 per 90 minutes, up from 8.6 and 8.75 in previous seasons — and losing fewer: down from 7.8 last season to 7.2 now. He’s also winning a higher percentage of both defensive and aerial duels.

So yes, in terms of ball possession, attack, and defence... he’s improved. Even if it doesn’t feel like it. The issue? The mistakes. They’ve been costly, obvious, and avoidable — and they’ve sent him to the metaphorical galleys.

It was clear early on that this would be a rocky season for the midfielder. The injury just before the European Super Cup on August 13 was the first warning: a sprained internal collateral ligament in his left knee. Seven weeks out. Ten matches missed. That stopped him from setting the tone, and he’s been playing catch-up ever since. Two more muscular injuries followed, bringing the total to 20 games missed.

But it was the Super Cup Clásico that stung the most. His penalty on Gavi — reckless and unnecessary — gifted Barça the 2–1 lead. Madrid melted away, and so did Camavinga, who saw red once again. Ancelotti subbed him off at halftime.

Before the Emirates debacle and the foul that gifted Rice his moment, there was another, less damaging but equally telling mistake: his rash challenge on Julián Álvarez at the Bernabéu. There was no need to go to ground. Holding his mark would’ve sufficed. But Camavinga went for the flashy steal, and La Araña punished him with a goal that should never have happened. Impulse over discipline. Again.

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The label of being a tactically naive footballer continues to cling to Camavinga — and he needs to shake it. Because Ceballos still hasn’t returned, and Modrić can’t play every match. With the season hanging in the balance, and although he’ll miss the Arsenal return leg due to suspension, Cama is playing for his future now. Every minute from here on out will help define who he becomes.

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