Defending Champions Real Madrid Eliminated by Disciplined Arsenal as Lucas Vázquez Criticizes Tactics
Real Madrid’s hopes of retaining the Champions League crown came to a crashing halt on Wednesday night, as a well-organized Arsenal side secured their place in the semi-finals. Following the 2-1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu, Lucas Vázquez expressed frustration with the visitors’ approach during a post-match interview.
Arsenal’s performance was powered by standout displays from Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino, and others. The north Londoners will now go on to face Paris Saint-Germain in the next round after edging out Madrid over two legs.
For Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, the tie was one to forget. They struggled to generate meaningful opportunities and were repeatedly exposed at the back by Arsenal’s relentless pressure and strategic discipline.
Although Bukayo Saka missed a penalty early on, he made up for it with a delicate chip over Thibaut Courtois in the 65th minute. Vinícius Júnior briefly reignited hopes for the hosts after capitalizing on a Saliba error, but Gabriel Martinelli sealed the win for Arsenal in stoppage time with a clinical finish.
Vázquez, who captained Madrid in Luka Modrić’s absence and was subbed off for Dani Ceballos in the 61st minute, was clearly unhappy after the match. Speaking to Movistar+, as reported by The Mirror, he said the team gave their all but lamented a lack of clarity and patience.
“It’s a tough moment. We gave it our best shot, but things didn’t go our way. There were interruptions and we didn’t create the chances we wanted,” he reflected.
Vázquez also took aim at Arsenal’s defensive strategy, accusing them of playing cautiously to protect their first-leg advantage. “They came here to defend. In the first half, they practically did nothing. In the second half, we pushed forward, but they found a way to win.”
Fans didn’t hold back in response to Vázquez’s remarks, pointing out that Madrid failed to register a shot on target in the first half and noting the team’s poor performance in the opening leg.
One user commented, “Don’t want them parking the bus? Don’t lose 3-0 in the first leg.” Another added, “If Arsenal created nothing while defending, then Madrid created even less while attacking. That’s a self-own.”
Even some Madrid fans turned on Vázquez, accusing him of overrating his own abilities, referencing his previous reaction to not being selected for Spain’s Euro 2024 squad. One user wrote, “He plays terribly and acts like he’s a star. Laughing at not being picked for the Euros was embarrassing.”
Despite his criticisms, Vázquez ended with a message of gratitude to the supporters: “Thank you for the amazing atmosphere. Real Madrid always comes back. The season isn’t over, and we’re determined to achieve what remains.”
As Arsenal prepare for a high-stakes semi-final clash with PSG—who narrowly beat Aston Villa—Real Madrid will now turn their attention to the La Liga title race and catching rivals Barcelona.
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