Real Madrid Players Vow to Fight Back After “Unacceptable” 3-0 Loss to Arsenal

London, England – Real Madrid’s dressing room was filled with frustration, disbelief, and determination following their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. Despite Declan Rice’s free-kick brace and Mikel Merino’s clinical finish, the Spanish giants remain hopeful for a comeback as they prepare for the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu on April 16.

Ancelotti’s Response: “We Must Do Better”

After the game, Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media, acknowledging the disappointing loss but maintaining a sense of optimism. “The reaction after the first goal was poor—this has been a problem for us this season,” he admitted. “Three goals is a big gap, but this club has a history of fighting back. We must do better at home.” Despite the difficult task ahead, Ancelotti remained confident, reminding everyone, “It’s only halftime in the tie. We’ll see what happens at the Bernabeu.”

Players Express Frustration and Resolve

Jude Bellingham, who fought hard but couldn’t ignite a comeback, didn’t mince words. “It’s nowhere near good enough,” the midfielder told Prime Video. “We didn’t match their intensity, and they made us pay. We’re lucky it wasn’t worse—they could’ve had more. But this isn’t over. We’ll fight at home—it’s what this club does.”

Kylian Mbappé, still adjusting to his debut season with Real Madrid, shared his disappointment. “It’s tough to take,” the French superstar said. “We didn’t play like ourselves. Arsenal were better, and we have to admit that. But we’ve got a week to fix it. The Bernabeu will be different—I believe in this team.”

Luka Modrić, who was substituted in the 68th minute, reflected on the team’s struggles. “This isn’t the Real Madrid we want to show,” the 39-year-old Croatian told Movistar+. “We lost control after the first goal, and that’s unacceptable for a club like ours. But we’ve done miracles before—this is a chance to show our character.”

Antonio Rüdiger, who struggled to cope with Arsenal’s high pressing, expressed his frustration with the performance. “We were second best everywhere,” he said to DAZN. “Me, the backline, all of us—we didn’t win the duels, didn’t stop the set pieces. Rice’s free kicks were top class, but we can’t let that happen again. It’s on us to turn this around. I’m angry, but that’s fuel for next week.”

Vinícius Júnior, usually a key player for Real Madrid, was nullified by Arsenal’s defensive efforts and admitted his frustration. “They shut us down,” he said to club media. “I couldn’t get going, and as a team, we didn’t click. It’s a bad night, but I’ve seen this team come back from worse. We need the fans now more than ever.”

Late Red Card Adds to Real Madrid’s Woes

Eduardo Camavinga’s late red card, handed after a second yellow for kicking the ball away in stoppage time, added to the team’s frustration. “It’s a mistake we can’t afford,” Rüdiger remarked, acknowledging that Camavinga’s absence in the return leg would be a blow. Camavinga himself, visibly upset, declined to speak to the press, heading straight to the team bus.

A Call to Arms: Real Madrid’s Resolve

Despite the daunting 3-0 deficit, Real Madrid’s players showed a collective determination to turn things around. The loss is the biggest first-leg deficit the club has faced in Champions League knockouts, but Modrić’s reference to past comebacks—such as the stunning recoveries against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City—showed the squad’s belief in their ability to defy the odds.

Spanish media captured the mood back home, with Marca quoting an unnamed squad member: “The dressing room was silent after. We know we let ourselves down.” Fans on X echoed similar sentiments, with one writing, “Heads up, but this was embarrassing. Time to wake up.”

Looking Ahead: The Challenge at the Bernabeu

Real Madrid now face a monumental challenge in the return leg. With just a week to regroup, Ancelotti and his players will need to rediscover their attacking flair and harness the energy of the Bernabeu to overcome Arsenal’s commanding lead. As Vinícius Júnior put it, “It’s not over until it’s over.” For now, the focus is on redemption—and a response that matches the club’s storied legacy.