Match Aftermath: Arsenal’s Dominance Draws Mbappe’s Defiant Response
Kylian Mbappe has broken his silence after Real Madrid’s 3-0 drubbing by Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg. The French superstar—largely subdued at the Emirates—posted a now-viral seven-word message to his Instagram story:
“Hay que creer hasta el final.”
(Translation: “You have to believe until the end.”)
His message follows a historic display by Arsenal, powered by two sublime free-kicks from Declan Rice and a composed finish by Mikel Merino. Mikel Arteta’s side now hold a commanding three-goal advantage ahead of next week’s decisive return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Analysis: Arsenal Supreme, Mbappe Motivated
Despite being marked out of the game by Arsenal’s backline—especially Timber and Saliba—Mbappe remains Real Madrid’s clearest hope for a miracle comeback. His Instagram post doesn’t just speak to motivation—it’s a direct challenge to his teammates and an implicit warning to Arsenal: Madrid doesn’t fold at home.
Mbappe has 32 goals in all competitions this season and thrives in big moments. Expect him to take on the second leg like a personal mission.
Bellingham: “We Need Something Crazy”
Fellow Madrid star Jude Bellingham also weighed in after the loss:
“We were nowhere near it. Arsenal were really good. We need something really special, something crazy, but one place where crazy things happen is our house.”
Bellingham, like Mbappe, is refusing to let go of hope. Their words set the emotional tone for the return leg—where European history suggests anything is possible at the Bernabéu.
Ancelotti’s Caution: “Now It Will Be Very Difficult”
Manager Carlo Ancelotti took a more realistic tone in his post-match reflections:
“The result means Arsenal were much better than us… mentally we went down. The last 30 minutes were the problem.”
While acknowledging the talent gap on the night, Ancelotti has not waved the white flag—though his comments suggest Madrid must rediscover belief and balance fast.
Second Leg Outlook: Belief vs Brutality
-
Arsenal will look to stay compact, manage possession, and strike on the counter.
-
Madrid must take risks—press high, unleash Mbappe, and try to rattle Arsenal early.
But as Bellingham said, “crazy things happen at the Bernabéu.” The stage is set for either a spectacular comeback or Arsenal’s crowning moment.
Next Fixtures Before the Decider
-
Real Madrid host Alavés in La Liga (Sunday)
-
Arsenal face Brentford in the Premier League (Saturday)
