The result left Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti facing questions about his future.
For Ancelotti, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, reminiscent of Real Madrid's 4-0 thrashing at Manchester City two years prior. However, unlike that season, when a Copa del Rey title ensured his job security, Ancelotti's future now appears uncertain.
Speaking post-match, he deflected questions about his position, focusing instead on the challenges ahead. "I don't know what my future holds, and I don't want to know," Ancelotti said. "We're still fighting for La Liga, the Copa del Rey final, and the Club World Cup. This season isn't over."
Reflecting on the tie, Ancelotti admitted Arsenal were the better side. "We needed something to shift the momentum, maybe the penalty we didn't get, but let's be honest, Arsenal deserved it over both legs," he said.
"Football has a happy face and a sad one. We've seen the happy one many times; tonight, it's the sad one."
When pressed on whether the loss stemmed from tactical failures or a broader seasonal decline, Ancelotti remained pragmatic. "It's a disappointment, but analysing it now isn't right. We have to hold our heads high and admit this hasn't been our season. No team is invincible," he said.
Ancelotti avoided speculation about whether this was his final Champions League match with Real Madrid. "The day I leave, I'll only do one thing: thank the club. Whether my contract ends or not, it doesn't matter. I've never thought about not being Real Madrid's manager," he said.
On potential regrets, he was resolute: "Would I change anything? No."
The Italian also addressed squad decisions, noting that Daniel Ceballos' absence from the starting lineup was due to fitness concerns. "Daniel wasn't 100%, so he didn't start," Ancelotti explained. "I'm not worried about the team's mentality. We need to learn from this to improve."
Arsenal's clinical performance showcased their growing maturity under Mikel Arteta, with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka sealing the tie. Real Madrid's lone goal came from Vinicius Junior, but it was too little, too late.
The Gunners now march into the semi-finals with confidence, while Real Madrid turn their attention to domestic and global competitions amid swirling questions about Ancelotti's tenure.
Recent posts on X reflect the shock among fans and pundits. One user wrote, "Arsenal dismantling Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate is a statement. Arteta's project is scary good." Another post speculated on Ancelotti's future: "Ancelotti's time at Real might be up. That Bernabeu performance was lifeless." A third highlighted Arsenal's rise: "Saka and Martinelli tearing apart Real Madrid's defence, Premier League clubs are taking over Europe."
These sentiments underscore the magnitude of Arsenal's achievement and the pressure mounting on Real Madrid's hierarchy.
Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has chosen not to comment on growing speculation linking him with a potential return to Real Madrid for next season, insisting that now is not the appropriate time to discuss his future.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that forward Kai Havertz could make a surprise return from injury before the end of the season, raising hopes that the German international may be available for their UEFA Champions League push.
Arsenal have reportedly cooled their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers' forward Matheus Cunha due to concerns over his on-pitch behaviour, according to recent reports.
Thibaut Courtois hit out at his Real Madrid teammates for "playing too individually" after they were dumped out of the Champions League by Arsenal.
