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Dani Ceballos shared his honest thoughts after Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal at home. This defeat knocked the Spanish giants out of the UEFA Champions League with a 5-1 total score.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Real Madrid’s goal of winning another Champions League ended suddenly at the Santiago Bernabéu. Arsenal, already ahead 3-0 from the first game, secured their spot in the semifinals with a solid 2-1 win. Even an early penalty miss from Bukayo Saka didn’t stop them.
The Gunners dominated important moments, with Saka scoring in the 65th minute. Gabriel Martinelli added a last-minute winner after Vinicius Jr had briefly equalized for Madrid. After the match, Dani Ceballos openly criticized his team’s play, admits, “We lacked football, we lacked intensity, we weren’t competitive, we didn’t win duels. Arsenal were superior.” His words showed the feeling of Madrid’s players and fans as Arsenal’s midfield, led by Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, and Martin Ødegaard, controlled both games.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
This defeat is seen as a possible turning point for Real Madrid. Even with an experienced and talented team, Madrid looked outplayed and slow against Arsenal’s energy and organization.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team missed the energy and confidence that usually define their Champions League performances. The second-leg loss also raises questions about the future of several older players, including Luka Modrić, who may leave at the end of the season. For Ceballos, who previously played for Arsenal on loan, the defeat was even more painful as he acknowledged the Gunners’ progress and Madrid’s weaknesses on the big European stage.
WHAT NEXT FOR BOTH TEAMS?
With Arsenal moving to the semifinals, they are now preparing to face Paris Saint-Germain. However, they will be without a key midfielder for the first leg because of suspension as Thomas Partey picked up a yellow card.
Arsenal continue their strong season, sitting near the top of the Premier League and now in the Champions League’s final four. Meanwhile, Real Madrid must regroup before their next La Liga match, as they need to protect their lead at the top of the standings. Barcelona are 4 points ahead of Los Blancos and Atletico de Madrid are close behind. This loss also means Madrid must face changes, with squad rebuilding and tactical adjustments likely on the horizon as they aim to bounce back stronger next season.
