Real Madrid's manager, Carlo Ancelotti, admitted that their chances of advancing to the Champions League semi-finals are slim. This follows a 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the first leg of the quarter-final on Tuesday. Declan Rice scored two impressive free kicks, and Mikel Merino added another goal, putting the 15-time European champions in a precarious position.During the match, Real Madrid managed only three shots on target and failed to pose any significant threat. Ancelotti expressed disappointment with their performance, noting that the team usually improves towards the end of matches. "Normally this team raise their game towards the end of games," he told reporters. He emphasised the need for self-criticism and improvement in the upcoming second leg.Despite acknowledging some decent play during parts of the game, Ancelotti was clear that Real Madrid's overall performance must improve significantly next week. The Italian coach remains hopeful but realistic about their chances. "The possibilities [of qualifying] are quite low, but we have to try 100%," he stated.Arsenal registered an impressive 11 shots on target against Real Madrid. This equals a record set by Liverpool in March 2009 for the most shots on target against Real Madrid in a Champions League knockout stage game since 2003-04.

Hope for a Comeback

Real Madrid has a history of remarkable comebacks at their home ground, Bernabeu. However, they have only once overturned a three-goal deficit from a first-leg loss. This occurred during the 1975-76 season against Derby County after losing 4-1 at Baseball Ground.Ancelotti remains cautious yet optimistic about their chances in the return leg. "If you look at the game tonight, there is no possibility," he said. Yet he reminded everyone that football is unpredictable and anything can happen.The coach urged his players to believe and trust in their abilities as they prepare for what could be an extraordinary turnaround at Bernabeu.