The holders weren't the only ones to underwhelm in what has been a continental campaign full of surprises
This season's edition of the Champions League may have been one of the best in recent memory, but it has certainly come with its fair share of disappointments.
Managerial casualties, players wanting out and the absence of many big names in the latter stages have all come as a result of this campaign's unpredictability, with the fall-out only continuing as the end of the season and the transfer window approach.
Including leagues, teams and much more, here are the 10 biggest disappointments of the 2018-19 Champions League season.
GettyMassimiliano Allegri
When Juventus, Champions League finalists twice in four years, completed the summer signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, it looked like they had found the missing piece of their European glory puzzle.
But Massimiliano Allegri’s defensive approach to European football ensured otherwise, with him unable to get the best out of a plethora of attacking options – including Mr Champions League himself, whose six-goal return was his worst since 2010-11.
Juventus were eliminated by Ajax in the quarter-finals – resulting in Allegri eventually losing his job – with the Bianconeri needing a more expansive coach if they are to end their 23-year wait for another European triumph.
AdvertisementGettyReal Madrid
Real Madrid’s bid for a fourth successive Champions League triumph ended in the most embarrassing fashion.
They just about kept their dignity coming out of the groups, where they lost twice to CSKA Moscow, before Sergio Ramos’ arrogance set up a last 16 exit.
His deliberate booking and suspension was felt significantly as, after VAR had rescued Los Blancos in Amsterdam, a Dusan Tadic-inspired Ajax ripped the champions to shreds in Spain.
The consequences? Madrid’s biggest ever home defeat (1-4) in the knockouts of European competition, their second managerial sacking of the season and the return of Zinedine Zidane; some impact.
GettySerie A
After Roma’s incredible semi-final run last season, just two Italian teams escaped the group stages this term – and both were eliminated in disappointing fashion.
Juventus’ quarter-final defeat to underdogs Ajax resulted in Allegri’s departure, while Roma were unable to navigate a very kind last 16 tie against Porto.
Still, both performed better than Inter and Napoli – the former failing to beat winless PSV to progress and the latter letting a firm control of Group C slip.
This season once again demonstrated the huge gulf in quality between Juve (who romped to their eighth successive Scudetto) and the rest of Serie A, as well as the league’s general low quality.
GettyDefensive football
The shortcomings of conservative football were exposed this season, as protecting a lead in this season’s Champions League just didn’t work.
Ajax's comeback against Real Madrid, Juventus' against Atletico Madrid, Manchester United's against PSG, Tottenham's against Ajax and, of course, Liverpool's against Barcelona, made this the campaign for attacking football and nothing else.
With an average of over three goals per knockout game, the failures of more defensive coaches, such as Massimiliano Allegri and Diego Simeone, were damning.
The value of the away goal only encouraged attacking coaches more and helped produce one of the greatest Champions League seasons yet.