Mbappe fails to lift Real Madrid as Arsenal knock out Champions League holders

Mbappe’s Champions League dreams shattered as Arsenal knock Real Madrid out, raising doubts over Ancelotti’s future.

Kylian Mbappe (9) of Real Madrid goes down with an injury during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second-leg match against Arsenal at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, on April 16, 2025. Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Kylian Mbappe’s dream of guiding Real Madrid to another Champions League crown has suffered a crushing blow. The French forward, who joined the Spanish giants to expand their European dominance, was silenced by a relentless Arsenal side that triumphed 5-1 on aggregate, sending the holders crashing out of the quarter-finals. The result not only marked the end of Madrid’s European run but also left head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s future in serious doubt.

Arsenal dominate as Madrid collapse under pressure

Real Madrid were thoroughly outplayed across two legs by an Arsenal team that showed discipline, structure, and cutting-edge efficiency. After a 3-0 demolition at the Santiago Bernabéu, Mikel Arteta’s side followed up with a 2-1 win at the Emirates, securing a 5-1 aggregate victory that stunned fans and pundits alike.

For Kylian Mbappe, billed as the missing piece to Real Madrid’s attacking puzzle, the defeat was particularly painful. He limped off in the final minutes of the second leg with an ankle injury, a symbolic end to a campaign where expectations were sky-high but results failed to match.

Mbappe’s presence creates more questions than answers

Despite scoring 33 goals across all competitions in 2025, Mbappe has not seamlessly fit into Ancelotti’s system. Deployed primarily as a centre-forward, Mbappe’s tendency to drift wide—particularly to the left, his preferred position—has clashed with the natural game of Vinicius Junior. The result? Tactical imbalance in key fixtures.

Carlo Ancelotti has struggled to find a system that accommodates Mbappe, Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo Goes without losing structural integrity. The problem became more evident against Arsenal, where Madrid resorted to aimless crosses and lacked cohesive build-up play.

“We put in a lot of crosses but this year we don't have a Joselu, a born centre-forward up there,” said goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after the match, highlighting the absence of a true target man—a role Joselu filled last season before moving to Qatar.

Ancelotti’s leadership under intense scrutiny

This season has exposed Real Madrid’s vulnerabilities, particularly in big matches. The team that dominated both La Liga and the Champions League last season appears fragmented and inconsistent in 2025. With 12 losses already—compared to just two throughout 2023-24—the signs of regression are undeniable.

Ancelotti himself has shown signs of frustration. In the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Sociedad, he threatened to substitute Vinicius for not tracking back. “That warning brought out the best in Vinicius—from then on, he increased the pace and quality,” said the Italian, hinting at his need to manage egos within the dressing room.

Yet these disciplinary measures haven’t been enough to save Madrid’s season. Toni Kroos’ retirement last summer has left a void in midfield that Bellingham and the current options have struggled to fill.

Arsenal rise as Madrid fall

Arsenal’s victory not only highlighted Madrid’s weaknesses but also underscored their own growth under Mikel Arteta. Now through to the semi-finals, the Gunners will face Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe’s former team, who seem to be flourishing without their ex-captain.

The irony is stark: Mbappe left PSG in search of Champions League glory, only to watch his new club fall short while his old side marches on.

Future uncertain for Ancelotti and Madrid

Speculation around Carlo Ancelotti’s future has intensified. The Italian tactician admitted on Wednesday night that his job is far from secure.

“It could be that the club decide to change (coach), it could be this year—or the next when my contract expires, there’s no problem,” Ancelotti stated after the match, acknowledging the growing calls for change.

Potential successors include Jurgen Klopp, who recently stepped down from Liverpool, and Xabi Alonso, whose managerial rise has caught the eye of Madrid's hierarchy.

With the team still in the hunt for domestic glory, Madrid cannot afford to dwell on their European exit for long. They sit four points behind Barcelona in La Liga, with a potentially decisive Clasico coming up in May.

Copa del Rey final and Club World Cup still on the horizon

Real Madrid will have a chance at redemption when they face Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on April 26. Having already suffered two heavy defeats to their rivals this season—conceding nine goals and scoring just two—Los Blancos will be desperate to reverse the trend.

There’s also the Club World Cup this summer, another opportunity to salvage silverware. However, whether Ancelotti will be at the helm remains uncertain.

Mbappe’s gamble yet to pay off

Mbappe’s move to Madrid was seen as a game-changer. Yet, less than a year in, the Frenchman finds himself at the center of a tactical dilemma and a struggling squad. While his individual form remains impressive, the lack of team cohesion and failure to deliver in the biggest moments are beginning to overshadow his impact.

If Real Madrid are to finish the season with any major trophy, both Mbappe and Ancelotti must rally quickly. With the Champions League now out of reach, the focus shifts fully to La Liga and the domestic cup. For Mbappe, the pressure is mounting. For Ancelotti, the clock may be ticking.