Real Madrid are not hiding their frustration over last night’s defeat in the hands of Arsenal and their resultant crash from the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League.
One of the key players of Real Madrid, Lucas Vazquez had claimed that Arsenal “did almost nothing” in the first half–suggesting that Madrid played the better football.
Another player of Real Madrid, registered; “I don’t think Raya (Arsenal goalkeeper) had a save to make…,” implying the none-involvement of Gunners’ keeper in the match.
Arsenal went into the match with a three-goal buffer, courtesy of Declan Rice’s free-kicks and Mikel Merino’s polished finish. Mikel Arteta’s team aimed to subdue the home crowd’s energy at the Bernabeu right from the onset, resulting in a relatively tranquil first 45 minutes, interrupted only by two contentious penalty situations
One incident involved a failed penalty by Bukayo Saka, whose attempt was kept out by Thibaut Courtois, followed by a reversal of a penalty awarded to Real after Kylian Mbappe was brought down by Rice a decision amended after a protracted VAR review.
Redeeming himself in the second half, Saka delicately lobbed the ball over Courtois off a smart assist from Merino. Despite Vinicius Junior clawing a goal back for Madrid after William Saliba’s error, the hosts failed to rally.