Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign came to a crushing halt on Wednesday, as they were comprehensively beaten 5-1 on aggregate by an Arsenal side that has been steadily improving under Mikel Arteta’s stewardship. The Gunners were deserved winners across both legs of this quarter-final, with a dominant performance at the Santiago Bernabéu in the second leg ensuring they advanced with confidence. For Madrid, it was a bitter blow, one that left their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, reflecting on his team’s shortcomings and offering heartfelt praise to their opponents.
While the result left Real Madrid licking their wounds, Carlo Ancelotti’s response to the defeat was magnanimous. The Italian coach admitted Arsenal were the superior side and tipped them to go all the way in the competition. His honesty and grace in the face of such a heavy defeat reflected the professionalism that has defined his long and successful managerial career.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Honest Assessment of Madrid’s Defeat
The 5-1 aggregate scoreline tells its own story, but the manner of Real Madrid’s exit is perhaps even more telling. In the first leg last week, Arsenal were in complete control from start to finish, taking a 3-0 lead that left the Spanish giants with a mountain to climb. Despite Madrid’s best efforts, the Gunners suffocated any hopes of a comeback in the second leg with a controlled, professional performance that saw them win 2-1 on the night.
For Carlo Ancelotti, there was little room for excuses. The Madrid boss reflected on his side’s inability to make an impact, especially in the opening half of the second leg when Arsenal nullified all threats, denying Real Madrid a single shot on target before the break.
“We needed something,” Carlo Ancelotti sighed after the final whistle. “But we have to be honest, Arsenal deserved it in both games. Football has a happy side and a sad side. We’ve seen the happy side many times, today we got the sad side.”
The result was a blow to the club’s aspirations, as they looked to defend their European crown, but it also provided an opportunity for Carlo Ancelotti to display the class and humility that has made him one of the most respected managers in world football.
Arsenal Dominate Across Two Legs
Arsenal were simply too good over the two legs. In the first encounter, the Gunners put on an exhibition of attacking football, with Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings in midfield, Bukayo Saka running the show on the right wing, and Gabriel Martinelli causing havoc with his pace and movement. It was a 3-0 victory that left Madrid chasing shadows, as Arteta’s side showed exactly why they’re being hailed as one of the best teams in Europe this season.
The second leg in Madrid was no different. Arsenal’s defensive structure was solid, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães putting in excellent performances at the back, while their midfield and attack kept the pressure on Real throughout the game. Even when Vinicius Junior capitalized on a rare mistake from Saliba to equalize on the night, Arsenal showed resilience and responded immediately, with Martinelli scoring a brilliant solo effort in stoppage time to seal the win.
While Madrid fought valiantly, their performance highlighted several issues, most notably their lack of intensity and competitiveness in key moments. As Carlo Ancelotti’s own players admitted, Arsenal were the superior team.
Dani Ceballos Admits Arsenal’s Superiority
Dani Ceballos, who spent time on loan at Arsenal, was particularly candid about the result. The Spanish midfielder, who made the switch back to Madrid, echoed his manager’s sentiments, acknowledging that his former side had been far better in both matches.
“Arsenal were superior,” Ceballos confessed. “We lacked football, we lacked intensity, we weren’t competitive, we didn’t win duels.” The lack of bite in Madrid’s performance was evident, as they struggled to match Arsenal’s energy and tempo. Despite a few flashes of brilliance from Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema, Madrid were largely outclassed and outplayed.
This admission from Ceballos, a player familiar with both sides, further emphasized the gulf between the two teams on the night. Arsenal weren’t just good; they were the better team, and their dominance was reflected in the scoreline.
Mutual Respect on the Touchline
Despite the disappointing result for Real Madrid, there was no animosity between the two camps. The relationship between Carlo Ancelotti and Arteta has always been one of mutual respect, and that continued after the final whistle.
After the game, Mikel Arteta revealed that Carlo Ancelotti had personally wished Arsenal well for the rest of the competition. “Carlo Ancelotti told me that he hopes Arsenal win the Champions League,” Arteta said with a smile, highlighting the warmth between the two coaches.
This gesture from Carlo Ancelotti, while gracious, also spoke volumes about the kind of character he is. To lose in such a heavy manner and still offer words of encouragement to the victors showed his sportsmanship and respect for Arsenal’s accomplishments. It’s a quality that has earned Carlo Ancelotti the admiration of players, coaches, and fans alike.
Bukayo Saka’s Confidence in Arsenal’s Chances
Arsenal’s star man, Bukayo Saka, was understandably elated after the win, and his confidence in the team’s ability to go all the way in the Champions League was evident. “I like to believe that,” Saka beamed when asked about Ancelotti’s endorsement of their Champions League aspirations. “We showed that we can play in Europe and beat one of the best teams in the world, home and away. Very proud of this team. Tonight was a big statement and I am so happy for everyone.”
Saka’s statement reflects the growing belief within the Arsenal squad that they are capable of competing with Europe’s elite. Beating Real Madrid, especially in such commanding fashion, has raised the profile of Arteta’s side, and the young forward believes they can go all the way in the competition.
In many ways, this victory represents the culmination of Arteta’s vision for the club. From being a team in transition to now standing as genuine Champions League contenders, Arsenal’s progress has been undeniable. Their success against Madrid will only fuel the belief that they can go on to achieve even greater things in the competition.
A Turning Point for Arsenal
For Arsenal, this win could be the moment that marks their arrival on the European stage. Arteta has built a side that not only plays attractive football but also possesses the mental toughness needed to succeed at the highest levels. Beating Real Madrid over two legs, a team with the pedigree and history in the Champions League, is no small feat.
It’s clear that Arteta’s vision is starting to come to fruition, and with each passing victory, the Gunners are proving that they can mix it with the best in Europe. This victory over Madrid will give them the belief that they can achieve even more as they continue their journey in the Champions League.
Ancelotti and Madrid’s Next Steps
As for Real Madrid, their defeat is a painful one, but it’s far from the end of the road for Carlo Ancelotti and his side. With the domestic title race still alive and several key players in their prime, Madrid will no doubt regroup and re-focus for the rest of the season. The exit from the Champions League, however, will certainly prompt a period of reflection.
For Carlo Ancelotti, this will likely mean addressing the shortcomings exposed in this quarter-final, most notably the lack of intensity and competitiveness in their play. While Madrid will always remain a force in European football, this defeat has been a wake-up call that will shape their approach moving forward.
For now, the focus shifts to the rest of the season, but with Arsenal now the team to beat in Europe, it’s clear that the Champions League battle is only just beginning. The Gunners have made a statement, and they’ll be eager to prove that they can go all the way.
