Alaba under pressure: Real Madrid needs a Champions League miracle!

Alaba under pressure: Real Madrid needs a Champions League miracle!

On April 9, 2025, David Alaba is particularly criticized after the disappointing 0: 3 defeat by Real Madrid in the quarter-final first leg of the Champions League against Arsenal. Alaba, who returned to the starting eleven after a longer injury break, played as a left -back and showed an acceptable performance against Bukayo Saka at the beginning of the game. But soon it became apparent that he could not keep up with the speed of the Arsenal star. A decisive foul from Alaba on Saka led to the first goal for the Gunners, which made the situation more difficult for Real Madrid. Despite a later attempt to rescue on the line, Alaba was replaced after the game and received the worst grading in the real team from the "Marca", together with his teammates Antonio Rüdiger and Kylian Mbappé.

Real Madrid had little to report in this game. Coach Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal team managed to realize with an intelligent way of playing, making them many mistakes. Declan Rice was the outstanding player of the evening and scored two free kick goals in the 58th and 75th minute. Mikel Merino also contributed 3-0 through another goal, while Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was criticized for the first two goals. Despite a few remarkable parades, he could not turn off the defeat.

The pressure increases for Madrid

With this clear defeat, the pressure on Real Madrid will increase enormously before the second leg on April 16. A "miracle" is needed to keep in competition. The task is not easy because the players are extremely challenged after this idea. In the ranks of the Madrilenen, it is already considered how to avoid the numerous mistakes in the second leg. "We have to show an extraordinary performance to come back," said the trainer.

In the Champions League, the situation has changed in the past few weeks. Real Madrid won against Atlético Madrid in previous knockout rounds, but the current defeat could be fatal. Arsenal also had to fight with injuries in the group phase and nevertheless showed remarkable achievements what Areta praised his players. Meanwhile, teams like Bayern Munich and Paris S-G also fought through the round and show that the competition is highly competitive.

In order to better classify the list and performance of the teams, the most important statistics from the Champions League are summarized here:

The next encounter will show whether Real Madrid can catch up with the gap. It remains to be seen whether the team can show the necessary reaction to win back fans and continue to be represented in the prestigious competition. The pressure is heavy and the increase in performance is essential.

For more information about the Champions League statistics, visit fbref . A detailed analysis of the current situation has published Krone , while a report on yahoo sports takes the game more closely.