Real Madrid's European journey in this season's Champions League has come to an unexpected end. For the first time in his tenure as manager of the Spanish giants, Carlo Ancelotti failed to reach the semifinals of Europe’s most prestigious tournament. The executioner was Arsenal, who after a 3-0 win in the first leg, managed to hold on in the return match at the Santiago Bernabéu, losing 2-1 but advancing with an aggregate advantage.

The Italian coach, known for delivering magical European nights with Real Madrid, fell just short of continuing his legacy. Ancelotti had completed five full seasons at the helm — split across two separate spells — and in all of them had at least reached the semifinal stage. This elimination marks a rare setback for a manager who has built a nearly symbolic relationship with the Champions League.

First setback before the semifinals

Since his arrival in the 2013–14 season, Ancelotti had consistently led Real Madrid to the final four. In that debut season, he secured the long-awaited La Décima, ending a European title drought that had lasted over a decade. The following year, Juventus knocked his side out in the semifinals, with a young Álvaro Morata scoring the decisive goal at the Bernabéu.

After leaving the club, he returned in 2021–22 and once again led Madrid to glory in one of the most dramatic Champions League campaigns in recent memory, pulling off stunning comebacks against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Manchester City. That season, he lifted his fourth Champions League title as a manager, his second with Real Madrid.

Last season, Madrid reached the semifinals again, only to be soundly beaten by Manchester City with a 4-0 thrashing at the Etihad. However, Ancelotti bounced back by securing yet another Champions League title in 2024, defeating Borussia Dortmund in the final.

Now, following the setback against Arsenal, questions about his future arise, although he remains under contract with the club. With the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on the horizon and the La Liga title still up for grabs, Ancelotti has other opportunities to end the season on a high.

Despite the elimination, Carlo Ancelotti remains the most decorated manager in Champions League history with five titles to his name. This time, however, he will have to watch the semifinals from home — for the first time in his Real Madrid career.