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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

'Tragedy in London': Spanish media tear into Real Madrid after Arsenal thrashing

Real Madrid were beaten 3-0 by Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final - (AFP via Getty Images)

The Spanish media have torn into Real Madrid after they were humiliated by Arsenal.

Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat for Real Madrid at Emirates Stadium has been labelled a “tragedy in London” and an “historic debacle” following one of their worst Champions League nights.

The front page of Mundo Deportivo said Carlo Ancelotti’s side were “humiliated”, while Marca said Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo were criticised for “showing no signs of life”.

AS described the defeat as a “debacle in London”, saying: “Madrid abdicated in the same place where they were crowned champions just under a year ago.

“It had been a long time since Real Madrid had suffered such a severe blow in Europe. It came after a calamitous performance in which Vinicius led the resignation of an attacking trident that had passed without much fanfare at the Emirates.”

Marca hit out at Ancelotti, saying: “Vinicius, Mbappe, and Rodrygo showed no signs of life. “Without threatening, Madrid was a toy in the hands of an Arsenal side that battered them from start to finish.

“A recital of saves from Courtois, two goals saved on the goal line, countless last-minute clearances... Madrid endured a nightmare on the pitch, and Ancelotti in the technical area. The captain didn't jump ship, but he let it sink.”

TV show El Chiringuito labelled the defeat a “historic debacle” and “a tragedy in London”.

Marca's player ratings described David Alaba's “terrible night”, Eduardo Camavinga's “umpteenth blunder of the match” that saw him sent off, while Rodrgyo was described as “unrecognisable” and “a shadow”.

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