Players in shock, worrying announcement ahead of Arsenal: “On Sunday, they…”

Real Madrid find themselves in unfamiliar territory just days ahead of one of the most important matches of their season—a Champions League quarterfinal clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. After a disheartening 2-1 loss to Valencia at the Santiago Bernabéu, the mood in the Madrid camp has hit a dangerous low. According to reports from Marca, Sunday’s training session was one of the tensest of the season, with players visibly shaken and morale alarmingly low.

The defeat on Saturday was not just another league setback. It carried the weight of disappointment, frustration, and missed opportunity. Madrid were in control for large spells of the game but failed to convert dominance into points. The defensive lapses once again proved costly, as they allowed Valencia to capitalize on rare chances and snatch all three points in the capital.

Vinicius Jr, who scored Madrid’s only goal of the match, couldn’t hide his disappointment. Despite getting on the scoresheet, his overall performance fell short of expectations. The Brazilian star, who has often been Real’s spark in big games, looked drained and disconnected from the rhythm of play.

What’s more concerning is that this dip in form comes at a time when the club is chasing a potential treble. With the La Liga title race still mathematically open, the Champions League knockout stages heating up, and the Copa del Rey in sight, Madrid need every ounce of strength and unity they can muster. Instead, they appear fractured at the worst possible time.

According to Marca, the mood in the dressing room on Sunday was grim. Players reported to training looking emotionally worn out. Some were unusually quiet; others vented their frustrations to members of the coaching staff. One insider described the session as “funereal,” noting that “on Sunday, they looked more like a team that had lost a final than one preparing for a Champions League quarterfinal.”

Carlo Ancelotti, ever the motivator, tried to lift the spirits of his squad. Before the start of training, he gathered the entire team and gave a rousing talk. “We’ve lost one battle, but the war is still on,” he reportedly said. “Champions are defined by how they respond, not by how they fall.” The message was clear: regroup, refocus, and respond.

The coaching staff also reinforced the need for mental resilience. They reminded the squad that despite the loss, Barcelona’s draw against Real Betis meant Madrid hadn’t lost ground in La Liga. The title was still within reach if they could regain momentum. But the Champions League now takes precedence—and there is no room for error.

Fatigue is another factor plaguing the squad. With injuries mounting and the fixture list relentless, several players are running on fumes. The defensive unit, in particular, has been stretched thin, and questions linger over Ancelotti’s lineup for the upcoming Arsenal clash. Raul Asencio, who was available against Valencia but not used, is expected to feature in London.

Real Madrid’s defensive record this season has been troubling. They’ve conceded over 60 goals in all competitions—more than a goal per match on average. That’s a stat that would make any Champions League contender nervous, especially when facing a team as attacking as Arsenal.

The pressure is mounting not just from within but from the fans as well. Madridistas are known for their passion, but also for their demands. They expect results and will not tolerate complacency. Saturday’s defeat was particularly painful because it came at home and against a side lower in the table. Whistles echoed through the Bernabéu at full-time—a rare, but telling sign of frustration.

All eyes now turn to London. On Tuesday night, Real Madrid face an in-form Arsenal side in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. The Emirates will be buzzing, and the Spanish giants must silence the crowd early to avoid falling behind. A heavy defeat could shatter their hopes of progressing, while a solid result would restore belief.

Kylian Mbappé, who is expected to start alongside Vinicius, carries a significant burden. Much has been made of his partnership with the Brazilian winger, but it’s time for them to truly deliver on the European stage together. The world will be watching.

For Madrid, this match could define their season. Win, and they go into the second leg with momentum. Lose, and the cracks seen against Valencia might become irreversible. The mental and emotional state of the squad will be as crucial as the tactics Ancelotti deploys.

As the team landed in London earlier today, fans gathered outside the hotel to cheer them on. The players waved, posed for photos, and smiled—but insiders say those smiles were more for the cameras than expressions of genuine confidence. There’s an understanding that Tuesday night is make-or-break.

Should Madrid fail to rise to the occasion, they risk losing out on both La Liga and the Champions League in the space of two matches. For a club built on ambition, glory, and high expectations, such a collapse would be catastrophic.

But this is Real Madrid. They’ve been written off before, only to rise from the ashes in spectacular fashion. Ancelotti knows how to manage big nights. The players, despite the gloom of Sunday, have enough talent to overcome adversity.

One thing is certain: on Tuesday night at the Emirates, excuses will not be accepted. Real Madrid must show the world what they’re made of.