According to “Varzesh3,” Real Madrid has been a constant presence in the top four of European football for years—the Champions League semifinals. Fans had grown so accustomed to their presence that after tonight’s defeat against Arsenal and elimination in the quarterfinals, they couldn’t remember the last time Real Madrid failed to reach the semifinals.

The last time Real Madrid was eliminated before the semifinals and couldn’t be among the top four teams in the Champions League was the 2019-20 season. That year, they were eliminated by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Round of 16. The peak of the COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted many things, and Real Madrid fans didn’t have much time to mourn their early elimination.

It’s worth reviewing Real Madrid’s Champions League record from the last season they failed to reach the semifinals up to today:

2024-25 Season: Real Madrid was eliminated in the quarterfinals after two consecutive losses (3-0 and 2-1) against Arsenal.

2023-24 Season: Real Madrid reached the final and lifted the trophy with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund.

2022-23 Season: Real Madrid reached the semifinals but lost to Manchester City and failed to advance to the final. They drew 1-1 in the first leg but lost 4-0 in the second leg.

2021-22 Season: A dramatic season crowned with victory. Real Madrid reached the final and won 1-0 against Liverpool.

2020-21 Season: Real Madrid reached the semifinals but surrendered to Chelsea. They drew 1-1 at home and lost 2-0 in London, failing to reach the final.

2019-20 Season: Real Madrid was eliminated by Manchester City in the Round of 16. They lost both legs 2-1 and didn’t even reach the quarterfinals.