Ex-Real Madrid star slams Ancelotti after ‘helpless’ performance against Arsenal

Former Real Madrid star and director Pedja Mijatovic has launched a scathing critique of the team's 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Mijatovic was brutal in his assessment of the team's poor performance, particularly in the second half.

"In the first half, Madrid were not good, but at least they were competing. In the second half, Madrid did not exist. They were very poor," Mijatovic said.

He expressed concerns over the team's lack of presence and creativity stating that it had been a long time since he had seen Real Madrid play a Champions League match without creating a single chance.

Mijatovic also praised Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, saying that he had made several key saves to prevent a heavier scoreline. "The result was actually flattering," he said.

Looking ahead to the return leg, Mijatovic was pessimistic about Real Madrid's chances.

"If the team turns up like this, it will be very dangerous," he warned.

He continued, "Since Mbappe arrived, Vinicius has shown a bit of fear – uncertainty about what to do now, especially in trying to convince the Madridistas who is better.

The former player believes that both Mbappe and Vinicius have underperformed, leading to a sense of impotence among the team.

"I saw impotence, especially in the players' faces, as if they were thinking, 'Let us just get out of this, 3–0 is fine.' And that is what worries me," Mijatovic added.

Mijatovic played for Real Madrid between 1996-1999 where he scored a goal in the 1998 UEFA Champions League final which ensured Madrid's first European Cup in 32 years.