Kylian Mbappe sends strong seven-word message to Real Madrid fans after Arsenal thrashing leaves La Liga giants on brink of Champions League elimination

The Gunners produced a performance for the ages to beat Real Madrid 3-0 in front of their home crowd, leaving the reigning European champions stunned. Declan Rice was the headline act, curling in two brilliant free-kicks, while Mikel Merino added a third to give Arsenal a commanding advantage heading into the second leg of the quarter-final tie at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The result left Real Madrid visibly rattled, with Mbappe unable to find answers as Arsenal took total control in the second half. With a deficit that large to overturn, many teams would be resigned to their fate. But for Mbappe, there’s still a glimmer of hope.

Mbappe took to Instagram to send a defiant seven-word message to fans following the humbling defeat in north London. He wrote: "We have to believe until the end."

@k.mbappe Instagram

Mbappe, who looked sharp and dangerous early in the match, saw his influence fade as Arsenal asserted their dominance. The 26-year-old was clearly frustrated during the second half, particularly after Rice’s second goal. Cameras captured the France international with a stunned look, shaking his head in disbelief as the ball sailed past Thibaut Courtois again.

Real Madrid’s next few days could define their entire season. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has little room to manoeuvre, with a must-win La Liga fixture against Alaves coming up on Sunday. Should Barcelona win their match earlier in the weekend, Madrid could find themselves seven points off the top of the table - turning up the pressure ahead of Arsenal's visit to the Bernabeu four days later. Failing to perform in either game could spell disaster for a team with lofty ambitions.