Real Madrid, reeling from a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, is banking on a historic comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu to keep their European dreams alive.
Despite a lacklustre performance at the Emirates, the Spanish giants are projecting an unwavering belief in their ability to overturn the deficit.
Players like Raul Asencio and Lucas Vazquez echoed the sentiment that Real Madrid, with its fervent home support, is uniquely capable of achieving the impossible. They emphasised the team’s “positive mindset” and the transformative power of playing at home.
However, beneath the bravado, doubts may be creeping in. This season’s Real Madrid is not the invincible force of the previous campaign, having suffered 11 defeats.
Key players like Vinicius Junior are struggling for form, and Eduardo Camavinga is suspended for the second leg. Even goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, despite several excellent saves, couldn’t prevent Arsenal’s decisive free kicks.
Real Madrid clings to hope of a Bernabeu miracle after Arsenal’s dominant victory.
Credit: Just Arsenal
Real Madrid’s history of remarkable European comebacks, fuelled by the Bernabeu’s electrifying atmosphere, has become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Their dramatic victories against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City in 2022 exemplify this.
Courtois acknowledged the difficulty of the task but insisted that a comeback is possible with early goals and fan support.
He stressed the need to rectify their mistakes and approach the second leg with determination.
Arsenal’s disciplined performance, even without Gabriel Magalhaes, demonstrated their defensive solidity. They effectively neutralised Real Madrid’s attacking threats, limiting them to few opportunities. Their commanding lead gives them tactical flexibility for the second leg.
Real Madrid, however, remains resolute. Manager Carlo Ancelotti asserted that “anything can happen in football,” while Jude Bellingham acknowledged the need for a “special” performance. Kylian Mbappe, as he departed the stadium, simply stated, “Of course we can.”
