AFCON 2025
Real Madrid’s chances of retaining their UEFA Champions League title appear to be slim. The defending champions suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the quarter-final fixture last week. Declan Rice’s magnificent free-kicks and Mikel Merino’s goal gave the Gunners a fantastic win over Carlo Ancelotti’s Galacticos.
Los Blancos are in a difficult position to do a comeback, but they are not unfamiliar with it, as they orchestrated some of the most dramatic turnarounds in the very recent history of the UEFA Champions League.
Even though Arsenal are unbeaten against Real Madrid in the history of the competition and are in pole position to reach the semi-finals, Real Madrid have what it takes to do what they know how to do best – a comeback to turn the tie around.
1. Real Madrid’s Proven Comeback Mentality
Recent history shows that Real Madrid have done a handful of comebacks in the Champions League over the years, and the DNA is already entrenched in the players. Real Madrid have done a comeback from more than a 3-0 deficit. In the 1985/1986 season, the defending champions overturned a 5-1 loss to Borussia Mönchengladbach and won 4-0 in the second leg at home to progress to the quarter-finals. In addition, Real Madrid also came from a 4-3 loss to Manchester City in the semi-finals of the 2021/2022 season. Despite trailing 1-0 at the Bernabeau, Rodrygo’s brace late in the game and Karim Benzema’s penalty sealed the win for Real Madrid as they qualified for the final.
2. Santiago Bernabeu Atmosphere
Real Madrid have announced that the roof of the Santiago Bernabeu will be closed ahead of the second leg against Arsenal. The closed roof allows the home fans to create a frightening and intimidating atmosphere for the visitors, thereby forcing mistakes from the opposition players. Real Madrid have won their last 10 Champions League home matches against English sides, which gives the players extra motivation as they host the Gunners on Wednesday night.
3. Gabriel Magalhães Absence
The absence of the Brazilian defender offers the Likes of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Kylian Mbappe the green light to exploit Arsenal’s seemingly weak defense line. Jakub Kiwior is not as reliable as Gabriel, who had a brilliant outing in the first leg. Kylian Mbappe has 10 goals i 16 Champions League matches against English opposition, and the French forward, after an underwhelming performance in the first leg, will look to continue his impressive record.
