Real Madrid's hopes with Kylian Mbappe floundered as Arsenal eliminated them in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 5-1 aggregate victory, putting coach Carlo Ancelotti's future in doubt. Mbappe, who left Paris Saint-Germain for Madrid seeking European success, suffered an ankle injury against Arsenal, impacting Madrid's performance and highlighting Ancelotti's struggles to integrate him and Vinicius Junior effectively.
Ancelotti's team has faltered this season, lacking the cohesion displayed during their previous Champions League and La Liga double triumph. Despite Mbappe's impressive form, his arrival has disrupted team dynamics, with Ancelotti grappling to find a winning strategy alongside Vinicius and other key players like Bellingham and Rodrygo. Madrid's defeat to Arsenal underscores their defensive and midfield shortcomings, raising questions about Ancelotti's future at the club amid speculation of managerial changes, with Jurgen Klopp and Xabi Alonso rumored as potential successors. Madrid's focus now shifts to the La Liga title race, the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, and the upcoming Club World Cup, but their immediate priority lies in regrouping swiftly to salvage the season.