The Gunners delivered a dominant performance against the reigning Spanish and European champions, winning the tie with a 5-1 aggregate score.
Arsenal secured a 3-0 win in the first leg at the Emirates, followed by a 2-1 triumph at the Bernabeu, booking their place in the semi-finals. ..Continue Reading
Tensions ran high during the second leg, with a fiery exchange at half-time, where Bukayo Saka was seen pushing a Real Madrid icon.
In the aftermath of Real Madrid’s exit on Wednesday, speculation has intensified around Ancelotti’s future at the club, with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly being considered as a potential successor.
The defeat has also sparked widespread criticism directed at both the players and the club, something that has deeply frustrated Ancelotti, who guided Madrid to the La Liga title and Champions League glory just last season.
Quizzed in a press conference what had hurt him the most about Real Madrid’s exit, Ancelotti said: ‘That a club that has won so many titles is being questioned.’
Real Madrid remain the most decorated club in Champions League history, having lifted the prestigious trophy a record 15 times.
They entered this season as the defending champions after overcoming Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 final held at Wembley Stadium.
However, their reign has come to an end, and a new champion will be crowned, with only four teams left in the competition.
Arsenal, still chasing their first-ever Champions League title, are set to face French champions Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, La Liga frontrunners Barcelona will take on Italian giants Inter Milan in the other semi-final matchup.
Earlier this week, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick noted that Arsenal, PSG, and Inter may have an edge over his side, pointing out that those clubs are given more recovery time before domestic fixtures—potentially reducing the risk of injuries.
‘Every league protects their clubs, especially when they play in the semi-finals of the Champions League. It’s unbelievable, we have no time to rest,’ Flick told reporters on Friday.
‘For me, the guys responsible for that – I want to discuss it with them… I don’t want to make excuses or complain.
‘I’m happy we’re not playing on Sunday at 2pm against [Real] Valladolid. But why can’t we play at 6pm like we normally do?
‘Give me one reason. To me, it’s a joke and it affects Spanish football. The rest of the teams in the European leagues benefit.
‘I’m speechless because this situation is unbelievable. In the Bundesliga or Premier League, they take care of their clubs… They (La Liga) have no idea what this (arriving late) means for the players.’
