Real Madrid’s 3-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium has marked a dismal night for the Spanish giants, as they equal an unwanted record from 16 years ago.
Declan Rice’s stunning free kicks and Mikel Merino’s clinical finish have left Los Blancos reeling, with their Champions League prospects hanging in the balance.
A Shell-Shocked Real Madrid
The first half was a tightly contested affair, but Rice’s double in the second half sparked a rout that left Real Madrid struggling to cope.
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Merino’s goal sealed the win for Arsenal, leaving them with a significant advantage heading into the second leg at the Bernabeu next week.
A Historic Low for Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s failure to score in two consecutive Champions League games is a rare occurrence, last seen in 2009 when they were knocked out by Liverpool in the last 16.
The 5-0 aggregate loss was a humiliating exit, and tonight’s defeat at the Emirates Stadium has drawn comparisons to that disappointing campaign.
Ancelotti’s Future in Doubt
Carlo Ancelotti’s job is now under intense scrutiny, with rumors swirling about his future at the club.
Saturday’s surprise defeat to Valencia at home has further complicated matters, as Real Madrid’s La Liga title hopes have all but evaporated.
The Copa del Rey final against Barcelona at the end of the month may be their only chance to salvage the season.
Can Ancelotti Save His Job?
While it’s premature to write Real Madrid off in the Champions League, their task now appears insurmountable.
Ancelotti’s fate hangs in the balance, and a failure to deliver in the Copa del Rey final may seal his departure from the club.
The parallels with Juande Ramos’s brief tenure in 2009 are striking, and it remains to be seen whether Ancelotti can navigate the challenges ahead.
