Real Madrid's starting lineup in the return match against Arsenal has two notable options in the full-back position.
Lucas Vazquez has been heavily criticized throughout the season for not being able to replace injured Dani Carvajal. However, the Spaniard is still trusted by coach Carlo Ancelotti in the right-back position. Meanwhile, Valverde has been brought back to the central midfield role.
On the left wing of Los Blancos' defense, Fran Garcia did not appear. Instead, David Alaba was still a starter despite not being able to block Bukayo Saka in the first leg.
Both of Ancelotti's personnel decisions were ineffective. Vazquez and Alaba had a difficult night, when Saka and Martinelli continuously created great pressure. Vazquez is only remembered for his attacking efforts with three shots and completed 30/32 passes. Both were substituted after an hour.
The Real Madrid centre-back pair played slightly better. Asencio's mistake after a foul on Mikel Merino was eventually left un punished when Courtois successfully blocked the penalty. Antonio Rudiger, as usual, is always dragged into unnecessary fights and controversies.
The German centre-back had a chance to jump up while Lewis-Skelly was falling. Before taking the floor, Rudiger stepped on the Arsenal player's belly. The main referee observed the incident but ignored it and VAR also did not recommend reviewing it.
In general, the "White Vultures" defensive quartet used against Arsenal did not bring peace of mind. Eder Militao's long-term injury is a big blow, but Real's defence still needs to be rebuilt this summer.
This season, Los Blancos have clearly not performed well enough in the Champions League, if not unreasonably. They struggled in the League Phase when they were defeated by Lille, AC Milan and Liverpool.
Ancelotti's side went through a play-off against Manchester City to qualify directly. And before stopping in the quarter-finals, Real Madrid also struggled to overcome Atletico Madrid in the round of 16.
And now their European season is over. There are still other arenas for Los Blancos to strive for, but the most noble title has fallen out of their hands.
"It's disappointing, but the analysis at this point is no longer appropriate. We have to lift our heads and admit that this season does not belong to Real Madrid. No team is invincible," Ancelotti said after the loss to Arsenal.
