Not only had Barcelona lost Neymar, one of the world’s best footballers, they had done so on the back of one of the worst seasons in recent memory.
Last season belonged to Real Madrid. They dethroned Barcelona as La Liga champions, cruised to a second consecutive Champions League title and allowed their fiercest rivals only the Copa del Rey.
But fast forward just a few months and the two European giants appear to have reversed roles. Now, it is Barcelona facing up to a glittering 2018 and Real the one in sore need of a revamp.
Ironically, Neymar may be the solution to Zinedine Zidane’s woes. After yesterday, it is evident Los Blancos need a new superstar.
For years now, they have relied on Cristiano Ronaldo.
Real have pulled off other shrewd transfers – Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have all been signed for bargain prices – but Ronaldo remains the ultimate bargain.
They paid £80million to sign him from Manchester United in 2009 in what was a world-record deal at the time.
Now, that money would get you a tubby Gonzalo Higuain or an infuriatingly inconsistent Romelu Lukaku.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains king at the Bernabeu but the truth is his crown is slipping. Last season, the signs were there.
A late season goal glut helped Real see off Barcelona to triumph on the domestic scene. His goals were also pivotal in their Champions League triumph.
But against Barcelona, he flattered to deceive.
He missed a sitter early on and then never got a sniff. Even against a Barcelona team with Thomas Vermaelen in the midst.
Neymar is the obvious solution.
Talk over a move to Real Madrid continues to rumble on. The Brazilian is blossoming in Paris but Paris it is.
The simple truth is that, if he really wants to win the Ballon d’Or, it will take something pretty special to do so.
Everybody expects PSG to win Ligue 1. That has been the case since their 2012 takeover. It is the minimal requirement.
PSG face on Real and Champions League glory is key to Neymar realising his dream. However, he may also realise that the Bernabeu, rather than the Parc des Princes, is the place to do it.
The 25-year-old will go up against Los Blancos in the knockout stages of the competition in February. Some are already considering it to be an audition.
Real have been carried by Ronaldo for too long now. And Neymar may be the only player capable of them stopping Barcelona in the future.