Champions League

Real Madrid defender blasted after Michael Olise runs riot in Champions League clash

French media and pundits criticized Álvaro Carreras after Olise dominated the flank in a tough Champions League night at the Bernabéu.

JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA

Amalia Fra Roddy Cons

Update: Apr 8th, 2026 04:09 EDT

Álvaro Carreras did not have an easy evening in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Real Madrid defender was tasked with stopping Michael Olise, and it proved to be a major challenge. Things did not go well for the Spanish fullback, who came under heavy criticism from across Europe.

French media lead the criticism

French newspaper L’Equipe was particularly harsh on Real Madrid’s overall performance against Bayern. It gave the team an average rating of 4.1 out of 10 and rated nine of the 11 starters as failing grades. Only Brahim Díaz and Kylian Mbappé were spared, while coach Álvaro Arbeloa received a 4.

Carreras was singled out as the lowest-rated player with a 2.

“We lost count of how many times Michael Olise beat him for pace and left him stunned,” the outlet wrote. “The Spanish fullback lived through a nightmare against the Frenchman’s speed and skill. He was also responsible for the turnover that led to Harry Kane’s goal in the 46th minute. His only positive contribution was a goal-line clearance in the ninth minute.”

"That’s one of the best performances I’ve seen this season from any player." @Carra23 on a standout performance from Michael Olise 💐 pic.twitter.com/OrfafEBSvl
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 7, 2026

Nasri: “Carreras is going to have nightmares”

Former French international Samir Nasri echoed that sentiment during Canal+’s live coverage.

“He’ll be able to shout Olise’s name in his sleep tonight,” Nasri said. “Carreras is going to have nightmares about this.”

“Could not hope to deal with Olise alone”

Adam Bate of British broadcaster Sky Sports also pointed to Carreras’ struggles against Olise, describing a moment that summed up the night.

“Image that summed it up was Alvaro Carreras looking around for help,” Bate noted. “None was forthcoming. Could not hope to deal with Olise alone. Special player.”

Absolute thrill to be in the Bernabeu to see that game. So much quality on show but Michael Olise stood out.

Image that summed it up was Alvaro Carreras looking around for help. None was forthcoming. Could not hope to deal with Olise alone. Special player.https://t.co/f8iJnGQSZy
— Adam Bate (@ghostgoal) April 8, 2026

More French praise for Olise, more pressure on Carreras

Other French media outlets also highlighted Olise’s dominance.

One journalist, Walid Acherchour, went as far as to compare the Bayern winger to the game’s elite young talents.

“I don’t put five players ahead of Olise among the best in the world,” he said. “In terms of his relationship with the ball, technical quality, and perfection in execution, he is among the very best. What Olise did to Carreras tonight was harassment.”

Arbeloa backs Carreras

Despite the criticism, Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa defended his player and insisted he remains a key part of his squad.

“Carreras is an incredible player, one of the best fullbacks in the world,” Arbeloa said. “I fully trust him and he will learn from this. It is not easy to face a player like Olise.”