‘They didn’t do anything’: Vázquez’s lunar exit after elimination annoys England

In a night that will linger bitterly in the memories of Real Madrid fans, Lucas Vázquez stepped forward not only as the stand-in captain but also as the unexpected voice of frustration following a painful Champions League elimination. After being stunned 2-1 by Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabéu, and 5-1 on aggregate, Real Madrid exited the competition in silence — save for Vázquez’s explosive remarks that sent shockwaves all the way to England.

The 33-year-old defender, usually a versatile and reliable soldier in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, didn’t hold back. Speaking to UEFA in the post-match interview, Vázquez declared, “In the first half, they hardly did anything.” A statement so blunt, it quickly became the focal point of post-match analysis across the footballing world — especially in the English press.

Vázquez’s words were seen not just as a denial of Arsenal’s superiority, but also as a reflection of a broken Madrid side grappling with disappointment. His tone, sharp and defensive, resonated with frustration more than objectivity. For a club used to commanding Europe’s elite stage, this elimination was as painful as it was embarrassing.

It wasn’t just the result that hurt — it was the manner in which it unfolded. Real Madrid looked overrun and overwhelmed in both legs. Despite the Santiago Bernabéu roaring behind them, the team never seemed to find the clarity, composure, or intensity needed to mount a comeback.

Yet, Vázquez’s assessment seemed to bypass all that. “There were moments where the game could have tilted in our favor, but today, it didn’t. We lacked clarity, patience. In the first half, they did practically nothing,” he insisted. His comments, raw and unfiltered, stirred immediate reactions.

The British media didn’t take long to respond. “Hard to believe a player could say that after being dominated so thoroughly,” shot back the Daily Mail, while The Guardian offered a more measured take, describing it as “frustrated denial that reveals the deep uncertainty within Real’s ranks.”

And if the English press was unforgiving, the fans were even more brutal. On social media, Arsenal supporters flooded timelines with match stats and video clips that countered Vázquez’s narrative. Real Madrid, after all, had failed to register a single shot on target in the first half. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and even new signing Mikel Merino orchestrated a midfield clinic rarely seen at the Bernabéu in recent years.

But Vázquez’s outburst wasn’t only a dig at Arsenal — it was a reflection of a deeper internal crisis. Real Madrid’s dressing room has reportedly been under immense pressure since the 3-0 defeat at the Emirates. Despite Ancelotti’s tactical reshuffling and emotional rallying, the team simply couldn’t rediscover its identity.

In truth, this loss feels like the end of a cycle for some of Madrid’s veterans. The club’s reliance on experience over dynamism showed. The defense was sluggish, the midfield lacked spark, and the attack — without the injured Vinícius and underperforming Rodrygo — looked toothless. The only goal over two legs came from a fluke error by William Saliba.

Ancelotti, ever the composed general, took full responsibility during the post-match press conference. But for fans and pundits alike, it’s becoming clear that changes are looming. A summer overhaul now looks inevitable. Vázquez, who has served the club for more than a decade, may have unknowingly signaled the start of that transition with his post-match meltdown.

Inside the locker room, the atmosphere is said to be tense. Several players are questioning the squad’s direction, while club executives are rumored to be eyeing new signings and potential exits. It’s a far cry from the glory days of European dominance — and for Madridistas, this reality is jarring.

The irony, of course, is that Arsenal’s victory was built on everything Real lacked: discipline, cohesion, hunger, and belief. Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners executed their game plan to perfection. They pressed when needed, controlled the tempo, and punished mistakes. If Madrid’s players felt Arsenal “did nothing”, the scoreline tells a very different story.

Perhaps Vázquez was trying to protect the badge, to deflect from a humiliating defeat. But in doing so, he may have only deepened the wound. English fans and media will not forget the slight — and Arsenal themselves will feel vindicated. They didn’t just beat Real Madrid; they silenced the Bernabéu and left with a clean conscience.

For Lucas Vázquez, it’s a lesson in humility. For Real Madrid, it’s a wake-up call. Legends cannot carry the weight forever. The next era must begin — one built not just on reputation, but on results.

And for the rest of Europe, it’s a warning: Real Madrid might be wounded now, but they never stay down for long.