Real Madrid's 2019 Champions League campaign ended in dramatic fashion after a 1-4 home defeat to Ajax, resulting in a 3-5 aggregate elimination despite entering the tie with a 2-1 advantage.
Ajax took control within the first 20 minutes, scoring twice through Hakim Ziyech and David Neres to establish a 3-2 aggregate lead. Madrid pulled one back via Marco Asensio after halftime, but Ajax restored their two-goal cushion with Dusan Tadic's goal and Lasse Schone's stunning free kick.
The result reignited scrutiny over statements made by Madrid players following Cristiano Ronaldo's 2009 transfer to Juventus. Gareth Bale, Dani Carvajal, and Karim Benzema had previously downplayed the Portuguese star's influence, with Bale claiming the team was "more of a team now that Ronaldo is gone." Carvajal compared Raul's career to Ronaldo's, while Benzema asserted he had become the team's leader.
Statistical analysis highlighted Ronaldo's transformative impact on the club. Before his 2009 arrival, Real Madrid reached the Champions League round of 16 in five consecutive seasons. With Ronaldo, they won the title in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018, reaching the final in multiple years. Post-Ronaldo, their 2018-19 campaign ended in the round of 16.
