Real Madrid was unable to recover from the 3-0 deficit they suffered in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals against Arsenal. The result from their trip to London ultimately sealed their fate at the Santiago Bernabéu, sending the Gunners through and marking a major failure for the Spanish giants.

There is no higher standard at Real Madrid than winning. As the most successful club in Champions League history, the pressure to lift the trophy is constant and uncompromising. Suggesting there wasn’t pressure this season would be inaccurate—every player and coach at Madrid is expected to win it all.

Mbappé Falls Short in First Champions League Run With Madrid

Kylian Mbappé joined a team that was initially seen as a top contender to win it all. But his dream of lifting his first Champions League trophy will have to wait at least another year.

The French star finished his debut campaign in Europe with Los Blancos scoring seven goals, but he was ultimately unable to carry the team past the quarterfinals.

Semifinal Streak Snapped

Under club president Florentino Pérez, Real Madrid had reached at least the semifinal stage in each of the past four seasons (2020–21 to 2023–24), winning the title twice during that run.

Now, their quest for a record-extending 16th Champions League title will be delayed by at least one more year. Madrid still has opportunities to win silverware this season—with LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the new Club World Cup on the horizon—but what if they come up empty in all competitions?

Meanwhile, Arsenal celebrates a return to the Champions League semifinals for the first time since the 2008–09 season.