Real Madrid's defense of the UEFA Champions League came to a shocking halt on Wednesday night as they faced a disappointing exit at the hands of English giants Arsenal. The 15-time Champions League winners were eliminated from the tournament after suffering a 5-1 aggregate defeat across two legs of the quarterfinals, marking the first time since 2004 that Los Blancos have failed to progress past this stage.
The decisive second leg took place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory, further solidifying their dominance in the tie. Despite the presence of star players like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid struggled to impose themselves, failing to convert their chances into goals. Vinicius Jr managed to score Madrid's only goal of the tie, but it came too late to alter the outcome.
In the aftermath of the defeat, head coach Carlo Ancelotti faced a barrage of questions regarding his future at the club. Ancelotti, who has been at the helm of Real Madrid since the summer of 2021, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his position. "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," he stated, reflecting on the potential for his departure.
According to reports from Sky Sports News, Ancelotti's exit from the club could be finalized as soon as April 27, 2025, the day after Madrid faces FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final in Seville. The club's president, Florentino Perez, is reportedly keen to bid farewell to the veteran manager following this crucial match.
Although Ancelotti's contract runs until 2026, the disappointing Champions League exit has left many speculating about his future. The Italian manager is widely regarded as the most successful in Real Madrid's history, having led the club to three Champions League titles, two La Liga championships, and numerous other honors during his two stints in charge.
Despite the Champions League setback, Real Madrid still has the opportunity to salvage their season. Currently sitting in second place in La Liga, they trail arch-rivals Barcelona by four points and will face them in an upcoming Clasico on May 11. Additionally, they are set to compete in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, where a victory could provide a much-needed boost to the team's morale.
In his post-match press conference, Ancelotti was candid about the challenges his team faced against Arsenal. "Arsenal were better than us," he admitted, acknowledging the effectiveness of the opposition's defense. He also noted that an overturned penalty decision early in the match could have changed the course of the game, but ultimately, it was Arsenal's superior performance that secured their advancement.
As speculation mounts regarding Ancelotti's departure, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has been linked with a potential move to appoint him as their next national team coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Ancelotti's name has been floated as a candidate to replace Dorival Junior, who was sacked in March after a disappointing run of results.
Reports suggest that representatives from the CBF were present at the Bernabéu during the Champions League match to gauge Ancelotti's interest in the role. While the CBF has publicly denied sending an emissary, sources close to the situation indicate that discussions may take place following the Copa del Rey final.
In the meantime, Real Madrid's board has been eyeing potential successors to Ancelotti, with Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso emerging as a strong candidate. Alonso, a former player for Madrid, has been making waves in the managerial world and could be a fitting replacement should Ancelotti depart.
As the season progresses, Ancelotti remains focused on the task at hand, urging his players to regroup and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. "We need to manage the dark side too. We need to accept it because over the two games, Arsenal have been better than us," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid's goalkeeper, also came to Ancelotti's defense, stating, "There is no problem, we have no doubts with him. The message is getting through and we have to do what he asks us to do on the pitch." The players' support for their manager could prove crucial as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
With the Copa del Rey final looming, all eyes will be on Ancelotti and his squad as they look to secure silverware and potentially save their season from the brink of disappointment. The outcome of this match could very well determine not only the fate of the team but also the future of one of football's most respected managers.
