By
SABC Sport
17th April 2025
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, the Italian'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. We're still fighting for La Liga, the Copa del Rey final, and the Club World Cup. This season isn't over," Ancelotti said.
On the defeat to Arnsela, he added: "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."
"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.
"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.
""Would I change anything? No. 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."
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.