In the 1990-91 season, Real Madrid experienced a turbulent year. It was the club's 89th season, initially led by head coach Toshack. However, due to poor performances, Toshack was dismissed in November, and Di Stéfano took over, but he too struggled to turn things around. Although the team secured the Spanish Super Cup by defeating Barcelona, they only finished 6th in La Liga and were eliminated in the Round of 16 in the Copa del Rey. In European competition, the club was knocked out in the quarter-finals of the European Cup. Notable players that season included #3.Spasic, #5.Sanchís, and #4.Milla, who were brought in to add stability, though the overall season results fell short of expectations.
 
The following 1991-92 season also saw Real Madrid fall short of their championship aspirations. The team lost the league title to Barcelona on the final day after a 3-2 defeat against Tenerife, finishing in 2nd place. Real Madrid also fell short in the Copa del Rey, losing in the final to city rivals Atlético Madrid, and suffered a semi-final exit in the UEFA Cup at the hands of Torino. The season began with Antic as head coach, but despite the team being at the top of the table, he was dismissed in January and was replaced by Beenhakker. Key players during this season included #6.Hierro, #7.Butragüeño, and #8.Michel, with #6.Hierro notably scoring 21 goals in the league, making him the team’s top scorer.