Ancelotti future in doubt as Arsenal crush Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti was as clear as day when asked about his future in the aftermath of a crushing 5-1 aggregate loss to Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals.

"I'm ready for anything," said the Italian.

Real were well beaten by Arsenal over two legs. The 5-1 scoreline in the end was accurate.

The Gunners were better over two legs, marshalled in midfield by the excellent Declan Rice, who earned himself a man of the match award for yet another stunning display at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Prior to kick off on Wednesday night, the pre match discussions were centered around what a comeback by the home team would look like but instead it was Arsenal who took the initiative from the word go, with a splendid display of all round passing football.

They almost took the lead in the first half when Bukayo Saka was presented with a penalty following a foul on makeshift centre forward Mikel Merino but his dinked penalty was saved by Thibaut Courtois in the Madrid goal.

Saka wouldn't be phased as he took his goal well when called upon, dinking the ball over the Madrid keeper in the second half for a 4-0 aggregate lead.

Madrid did pull one back through Vinicius Junior who took advantage of a William Saliba mistake two minutes later to make it 1-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate.

With Madrid chasing the game, Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli managed to finish with aplomb in injury time to see his side home with a 5-1 aggregate win, sending them into the semifinals where they take on French side Paris Saint-Germain PSG in a two-legged affair.

With Madrid four points off the top of La Liga and out of the Champions League, pressure is mounting on Ancelotti, with some members of the media calling for a change of guard at the helm.

Ancelotti's future has been a subject of discussion in Spain for the majority of the season.

The 65-year-old has won 11 trophies in his second stint, including two league titles, two Champions Leagues and the Fifa Club World Cup.

Ancelotti is contracted until 2026 and linked with the vacant Brazil job - has previously said he will discuss his future in the summer.

Asked if he would still be in charge by the time the Club World Cup begins in June, Ancelotti said: "I can't speak about this right now.

"It could be that the club decides to change [coach]. It could be this year, or the next, when my contract expires, there's no problem. It could be tomorrow, in 10 days, in a month, or a year, but all I can do will be to thank the club, if my contract's up or not, I don't care."

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has been linked with a move to Real and now speculation will rise as the preparations for next season begin in earnest.