Real Madrid lost to Arsenal 0–3 on the road in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, leaving supporters devastated and commentators in a state of shock.
What was supposed to be a standard test for the Spanish giants ended up being one of the biggest collapses in their contemporary European history.
Despite the team’s overall lack of presence, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Madrid’s two most valuable players, have received the majority of the post-match attention.
Referred to as football’s next “Galáctico era,” the €2 billion striking partnership left supporters feeling terribly let down with their performance.
Mbappé Squanders Golden Chances – A Superstar Gone Silent
Mbappé attempted to make an early impression with a long-range, speculative shot just two minutes into the game, but it lacked force and was easily saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Even while the intention was admirable, the execution hinted at the upcoming bad night.
A serious mistake in Arsenal’s defense in the 24th minute gave Real Madrid a fantastic opportunity. Vinícius swiftly stopped the ball and sent a deft through pass to Mbappé, who was now facing the goalie one-on-one.
But the Frenchman found it difficult to keep the ball in stride, which caused him to lose speed and gave the Arsenal defense time to regroup.
For a player of his caliber, his hurried shot went well over the bar and was a clear miss.
Seven minutes later, Jude Bellingham, one of Madrid’s few bright lights, broke open Arsenal’s defense with a brilliantly weighted through ball.
Mbappé had a clear sight on goal after avoiding the offside trap. He tried to aim for the corner with time and space, but Raya was able to immediately parry his low attempt since it was too central.
The annoyance increased. Mbappé got into the box again in the 51st minute after combining with teammates for a brilliant one-two.
However, he fired the ball into the stands from a tight angle this time while under pressure. It would be his last opportunity of the evening.
Mbappé had three shots overall, two of which were on goal, however none of them affected the result. He received a meek rating of 6.5, which was his third consecutive game in any competition without a goal or assist.
This dry period couldn’t have come at a worse time for a player who joined Madrid with hopes of winning the Ballon d’Or and the Champions League.
Vinícius Disappears Completely – €200M for What?
In addition to Mbappé’s lack of effectiveness, Vinícius was essentially unnoticeable.
One of the best players in Madrid’s most recent campaigns, the Brazilian winger, was totally shut down by Arsenal’s strong press and well-practiced defense.
Vinícius did not record a single dangerous shot or assist over the ninety minutes, and right-back Ben White was superb at monitoring his runs.
Vinícius was formerly seen as the embodiment of Madrid’s post-Ronaldo era, but he now found himself alone, uninspiring, and uncreative. It was a performance that left more questions than answers for a player valued at €200 million.
Tactical Breakdown – Ancelotti’s Plan Exposed
On paper, it provided counterattacking force, speed, and explosiveness. In reality, Arsenal benefited greatly from it.
Madrid failed to provide their forwards with adequate service, had poor midfield control, and provided minimal width.
The front two were left stranded, forced to chase long balls or drop deep, upsetting the team’s flow as Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos were unable to handle Arsenal’s energy and press.
Although Ancelotti’s strategies have won him awards, the seasoned coach ran out of ideas when facing Mikel Arteta’s fast-paced, disciplined Arsenal.
Fading Dreams – Mbappé’s Frustration and Flickering Hope
Mbappé had two distinct objectives when he left PSG last summer: winning the Ballon d’Or and the Champions League. However, both goals seem to be vanishing after this terrible defeat.
To make matters worse, the Frenchman must be hurt by the fact that his old team, Paris Saint-Germain, is dominating every competition, including the Champions League.
However, Mbappé remained calm and assured in the aftermath. He said without hesitation, “Of course we can,” in response to the question of whether Real Madrid might still make a return. Later, he shared the following on social media: “Have faith until the very end.”
Do Madrid Need a Miracle?
Madrid needs Mbappé and Vinícius to be at their devastating best, which they haven’t been in recent weeks, in order to overcome a three-goal disadvantage at home in the second leg.
They will also need to improve the structure of their midfield, hone their inventiveness in the last third, and regain the mental tenacity that has characterized their domination in Europe.
One of the most pivotal evenings in Mbappé’s career may be the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. Will he step up and pen a new chapter in the history of Madrid in Europe?
Or would the first break in his Galáctico dream be remembered as his peaceful night in North London?
Now, all eyes are on Madrid, where a miracle is required.
