It was a gloomy night at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid got eliminated from a Champions League quarter-final for the first time in 21 seasons. Los Blancos were defeated 5-1 on aggregate by Arsenal on Wednesday (April 16).
Following a 3-0 loss against the Gunners in the first leg, Real Madrid failed to pull off comeback in the second leg, with Vinicius Jr. scoring the sole goal for the hosts.
Despite maintaining a higher ball possession and having shots on target, Real Madrid fell short in paving their way to victory against Arsenal.
Speaking after the disheartening loss, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois gave credit to Arsenal's defense while pointing out what and who his side might have been missing during the match
What was Real Madrid missing against Arsenal?
Courtois mentioned (comments via The Independent) that Real Madrid needed a 'natural striker' in the front to score amid Arsenal's efficient defending. The Belgian shot-stopper named one of his former Los Blancos teammates, Joselu, as the missing piece who could have helped the team last night.
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Joselu was on loan to Real Madrid from Espanyol in the 2023–2024 season, during which the Spaniard has made remarkable contributions on the pitch. He netted two late goals in their Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich, which took them to the final.
After the end of the season, Real Madrid went with the option to buy in Joselu's loan deal. However, just a day after he signed a two-year deal with Los Blancos, it was announced that the striker had joined Qatar Stars League side Al Gharafa.
"In the end, they're a team that defends well, is well organized, presses well, and it's difficult to find space. We put in a lot of crosses, but this year we don't have Joselu, a natural striker up front,” said Courtois.
Prior to his loan tenure from Espanyol, Joselu joined Real Madrid from Celta in 2009 and started initially with the Spanish club's B team, and made his first team debut in 2011.
Courtois also spoke about how Real Madrid aim to make the best out of the rest of the season.
"We have to analyze carefully what we can do better. We have a lot of season ahead of us, we have the League on the line, the Cup in ten days, and then the Club World Cup. We thank the fans. Thinking about a comeback was great, and I hope we can bring them some joy this season," he finished.
Real Madrid are currently second on the La Liga table with 66 points with seven games remaining in the season. They have a four-point gap with table-toppers Barcelona, who Madrid face in the Copa Del Rey final on April 26.
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