Is Carlo Ancelotti’s time at Real Madrid up? Winners and losers after Arsenal expose Blancos’ basic tactics and Declan Rice dominates on another Champions League night to forget for ‘cursed’ Kylian Mbappe
Is Carlo Ancelotti’s Time at Real Madrid Up? Winners and Losers After Arsenal Expose Blancos’ Basic Tactics and Declan Rice Dominates on Another Champions League Night to Forget for ‘Cursed’ Kylian Mbappe
Introduction
Is Carlo Ancelotti’s time at Real Madrid up? That question is echoing across the football world after Arsenal’s tactical masterclass dismantled the Spanish giants in a Champions League showdown. The Gunners not only exposed Real Madrid’s aging strategy, but Declan Rice’s dominant midfield display painted a worrying picture for the future of both the Blancos and a seemingly cursed Kylian Mbappé. This article takes a deep dive into the winners and losers of the night, analyzing what the result could mean for Ancelotti’s legacy—and the future of Europe’s elite football landscape.
Quick Wiki Data Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Manager in question | Carlo Ancelotti |
| Club | Real Madrid CF |
| Event | UEFA Champions League 2024/25 |
| Opponent | Arsenal FC |
| Key Player Highlight | Declan Rice |
| Notable Player Mentioned | Kylian Mbappé |
| Outcome | Arsenal exposed tactical weaknesses |
| Core Question | Is Carlo Ancelotti’s time at Real Madrid up? |
| Article Focus | Tactical analysis, winners/losers, future implications |
Is Carlo Ancelotti’s Time at Real Madrid Up? A Tactical Review
The clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid wasn’t just another night under the lights of the Champions League—it was a lesson in modern football versus old guard tradition. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal deployed a high-press system and targeted Real Madrid’s fullbacks relentlessly, revealing the rigidity in Ancelotti’s defensive shape.
Declan Rice, meanwhile, controlled the center of the pitch with such ease that questions about Real’s midfield depth and energy became impossible to ignore. With Jude Bellingham forced into deeper roles and Toni Kroos visibly struggling with the pace, the question now becomes whether Ancelotti’s systems are outdated in today’s high-tempo football environment.
Winners and Losers from the Champions League Clash
✅ Winners
- Declan Rice – A commanding performance that elevated his status as one of Europe’s elite midfielders.
- Mikel Arteta – Outcoached a Champions League veteran and proved his tactical evolution.
- Arsenal’s Young Core – Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba all thrived on the big stage.
❌ Losers
- Carlo Ancelotti – Once celebrated for his calm control and experience, now under scrutiny for predictable tactics.
- Real Madrid Defense – Struggled with pace and pressing, particularly on the flanks.
- Kylian Mbappé – Despite being a Galáctico target, the spotlight once again highlighted his Champions League misfortunes.
Declan Rice Dominates – A Midfield Lesson for Los Blancos
Declan Rice didn’t just play well—he bossed the midfield against the most decorated team in Europe. Real Madrid’s engine room, often praised for its experience and quality, simply couldn’t match Rice’s tempo, anticipation, and spatial control. If this is the new standard for European midfielders, Real must evolve—fast.
The Mbappé Curse – Another Champions League Night to Forget
Kylian Mbappé’s relationship with the Champions League remains bittersweet. Despite moments of brilliance, he has yet to make the decisive impact expected of a player of his stature. Dubbed “cursed” by fans after another night without silverware, questions are being asked if he’s the answer for Real Madrid—or just another high-profile puzzle piece.
Is Carlo Ancelotti’s Time at Real Madrid Up? What Comes Next
The Italian maestro has given Real Madrid glory, but every legacy has an expiry date. The signs are clear: a lack of tactical adaptation, reliance on aging stars, and an inability to deal with dynamic, modern systems. If Florentino Pérez is to restore Real to European dominance, a generational shift may be unavoidable.
Potential successors like Xabi Alonso and Julian Nagelsmann are already rumored. Could it be time for Real to gamble on youth and innovation?
FAQ
Q: Is Carlo Ancelotti being sacked by Real Madrid?
A: As of now, no official decision has been made, but pressure is mounting after the Arsenal defeat.
Q: Why is Kylian Mbappé called “cursed” in the Champions League?
A: Despite his talent, Mbappé has often fallen short in key Champions League moments, leading fans to dub him “cursed.”
Q: How did Arsenal beat Real Madrid?
A: Through a combination of tactical discipline, midfield dominance (led by Declan Rice), and exploiting Real’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Q: Who could replace Ancelotti at Real Madrid?
A: Potential candidates include Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann, and even Zinedine Zidane for a possible third stint.
External Backlink
For a deep tactical breakdown of Arsenal’s pressing system, check out this expert analysis:
👉 The Coaches’ Voice – Arsenal’s Tactical Evolution