Shunning all the possibilities of Real Madrid's miraculous comeback, Arsenal FC conquered the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday to knock the defending champions out of the Champions League. After a convincing sweep of 3-0 last week at the Emirates, the Gunners inflicted further damage on the Los Blancos by collecting a 2-1 win this time, forming an agonizing 5-1 scoreline on aggregate for Madrid.
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Arsenal Thump Real Madrid with a 5-1 Aggregate Score
The comeback kings completely lacked flair and could not create anything on the day at their prideful home, Santiago Bernabeu, where 90 minutes becomes an eternity for the visitors. However, this time the "Remontada" was on only until the kickoff. Bukayo Saka had the opportunity to bury the tie early in the first half, but Madrid shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois denied him from the spot. Saka came back to open the scoring in the 65th minute. Two minutes later, Vinicius Junior cancelled Arsenal's lead on the day by forcing an error by Saliba. The score stood 1-1 at the end of the 67th minute and still a minute probability of a Madrid comeback was present. Nevertheless, Arsenal got the job done in the remaining minutes to thwart the danger. Gabriel Martinelli put the exclamation point on the game by scoring the added-time winner.
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Carlo Ancelotti Addresses Query On His Future at Real Madrid
The woeful exit from UCL has raised many concerns in front of Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, whose future in the Spanish capital is beyond doubt following the result.
"I don't know," Ancelotti said in his postmatch news conference, when asked if the loss at the Bernabéu might be his final Champions League game with Madrid.
"It could be that the club decides to change. It could be this year, or next year when my contract ends. There's no problem. The day I finish here, the only thing I can do is thank this club, it could be tomorrow, in a month, or in a year."
Ancelotti said that he "hadn't thought about" the possibility of resigning this summer, if he felt he'd taken the team as far as he could.
While the treble dream has finished once agin, Real Madrid are still active in two major competitions. They will take on FC Barcelona on 26th April in the Copa del Rey 2024/25 final. Moreover, they are chasing arch-rivals Barcelona in La Liga. There is a difference of four points between the two with seven games yet to be played.