Real Madrid are facing an uphill battle after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night. Despite the heavy loss, the defending champions remain hopeful of completing another remarkable comeback, a feat they have pulled off numerous times in the competition’s history.
For much of the game, it seemed like Real Madrid were following a familiar script—absorbing pressure while waiting for the chance to strike on the counter-attack. However, things took a turn when Declan Rice scored twice from free-kicks, and Mikel Merino added a third, leaving Los Blancos with a mountain to climb as they now face the prospect of elimination.
In response to the setback, Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio expressed confidence, saying, “We’re totally convinced we can turn it around, this is Real Madrid, positive mindset and let’s go for it.” Teammate Lucas Vazquez echoed his belief, telling Movistar, “If there’s one team in the world that can turn this around, it’s us, with our fans, with our pitch, our stadium. Next Wednesday will be a totally different game, and together we will get it done.”
Despite the team’s optimism, doubts are starting to creep in. This season has been far from the dominant Real Madrid that only lost two games last term. The defeat at the Emirates Stadium marked their 11th loss of the season. Star players like Vinicius Junior are struggling for form, and Kylian Mbappe, despite his best efforts, cannot carry the team alone. To make matters worse, Eduardo Camavinga will be unavailable for the second leg due to suspension.
Thibaut Courtois, who made a number of crucial saves in the first leg, found himself helpless against Rice’s clinical free-kicks, as the Belgian goalkeeper saw his team fall further into trouble.
Real Madrid’s storied history of comebacks, particularly in Europe, offers some hope. The Bernabeu crowd is renowned for its ability to lift the team, with fans creating an electrifying atmosphere that often helps turn games in Madrid’s favour. In the 2022 Champions League campaign, a stunning 17-minute Karim Benzema hat-trick against Paris Saint-Germain turned the tie around, and similar feats were achieved against Chelsea and Manchester City as Madrid marched to the title.
Courtois, while acknowledging the challenge ahead, remains optimistic. “A comeback is difficult, but we know we’re strong at home with our fans,” he said. “We have to believe in this team. From the first minute, we’ll give everything to turn around the result. If we score one or two quickly, I think it’s possible.”
However, Madrid also saw first-hand just how difficult Arsenal can be to break down. Even with key centre-back Gabriel Magalhães absent through injury, Mikel Arteta’s side held firm, denying Madrid any meaningful chances to threaten their goal. The Gunners’ disciplined defensive setup is likely to prove even more resilient in the return leg, especially with their three-goal advantage.
Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid’s manager, remained philosophical about the challenge. “In football, everything can happen,” he remarked. Jude Bellingham, who created Madrid’s best chances in the first leg, added, “We’ll need something special.” Meanwhile, Mbappe, the team’s talisman, confidently stated, “Of course we can,” when asked about the possibility of a comeback.
With everything to play for in the second leg, Real Madrid will rely on their remarkable history of turning around seemingly impossible situations to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
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