On Thursday, the day after facing Liverpool at Anfield and suffering a 2-0 defeat, Real Madrid's team bus was involved in a collision on the M40 motorway. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. The accident was noted to have occurred at approximately 1:15 PM, according to Warwickshire Police. Videos and images circulating online reveal the bus remained stationary on the highway, positioned behind the lorry it reportedly collided with.
The incident came just after the team witnessed their third loss out of five matches during this Champions League season. Goals from Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo sealed the victory, alongside a missed second-half penalty by Kylian Mbappé, compounding the team's woes.
Though the bus sustained damage, primarily to its headlights, it’s important to clarify the team’s players were not on board at the time of the accident. Sources have indicated the players returned to Spain via airplane after the game on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, two drivers and two staff members were present on the bus during the collision.
Real Madrid typically arranges for their own team bus for away matches to facilitate transportation logistics. For Champions League fixtures, this routine involves sending the bus to the destination city prior to the team's arrival so they can be transported from the airport to their hotel, and then again from the hotel to the stadium, before heading back to the airport post-match.
Social media quickly lit up with videos documenting the aftermath of the crash, coinciding with the frustration surrounding the team’s recent performance. With the disastrous result against Liverpool, fans were eager for any news on the team’s state, making the bus collision, albeit minor, another talking point following the disappointing match.
Real Madrid is known for its rich history and legacy within European football, holding the title for the most UEFA Champions League victories—15 to be exact. Nonetheless, this season has proven particularly challenging for the team; they currently sit lower than expected after this latest defeat. Concerns are mounting about their ability to qualify for the Champions League's next phase.
Following the crash, police reiterated safety reminders, especially highlighting the legal repercussions of using mobile devices to record incidents during driving. According to their statement, the areas affected by the accident experienced significant traffic delays.
From the team's standpoint, this incident marks yet another hurdle to clear as they confront their difficulties not just on the pitch but also off it. Statements from Real Madrid have not yet been made publicly, but the expectation is they will swiftly move to address the situation.
This event serves as stark commentary on how swiftly fortunes can change within this sport—a reminder to players, staff, and supporters alike about the fragility of success and the unpredictability of the game. How the team responds to this chaotic week could set the tone for the remainder of their campaign.