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With five Champions League titles as a coach and two as a player, Carlo Ancelotti made it clear that his future at Real Madrid does not hinge on the quarter-final second leg against Arsenal. However, the Italian coach also expressed his hope that this won’t be his last match in a competition he holds dear.

Under contract with Los Blancos until June 30, 2026, Ancelotti does not feel his job is on the line despite heading into the return leg with a three-goal deficit. “I don’t think so,” he answered when asked directly if the result would determine his continuity at the club.

Later, during the press conference at Real Madrid City, the Italian — who lifted two Champions Leagues with AC Milan as both player and coach, and three with Real Madrid — admitted that the outcome of the season could influence whether he completes his contract.

“I’m focused, with a very clear head. This isn’t my first big game, and I hope it’s not the last, because this competition is very special,” he said.

He emphasized his excitement over fear. “More than being worried, I feel the thrill of being on the bench for these kinds of matches. That excitement helps keep my head cool,” he explained.

Build-Up to Real Madrid vs Arsenal: Champions League Quarter-Final Second Leg

Real Madrid will once again rely on an attacking strategy without reinforcing the midfield with a fourth player. The starting XI will include Rodrygo Goes despite his recent goal drought, Lucas Vázquez and David Alaba as full-backs, and the return of Fede Valverde to the midfield.

With Aurélien Tchouaméni back after serving a suspension, the midfield is restructured alongside Valverde and Jude Bellingham. Mbappé also starts, and Ancelotti highlighted his importance: “He’s been training very well, and we need his goals. We’re not just here to defend.”

A few hours before kickoff, thousands of Real Madrid fans lined the streets around the Santiago Bernabéu to welcome the team bus, turning the usual arrival into a raucous display of support. Flares, chants of “yes we can,” and massive police presence turned a 30-second trip into a four-minute emotional journey.

The club has stoked the flames of belief in recent days by releasing videos recalling famous comebacks — such as those against PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich. The message has spread across the squad. According to Jude Bellingham, “remontada” has been the most repeated word in the dressing room all week.

Inside the Bernabéu, fans will unveil a massive tifo featuring a king in Real Madrid colors moving chess pieces, symbolizing teams already taken down in past turnarounds. The only piece still standing wears red and white — representing Arsenal.

For Ancelotti and Real Madrid, the magic isn’t guaranteed on the pitch — but it certainly exists in the stands.