Real Madrid faces a daunting task as they prepare for a crucial UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match against Arsenal, needing to overturn a 3-0 first-leg loss. Jude Bellingham has shared that the team remains hopeful, noting a significant mindset shift occurred right after the loss. Despite the challenge, the squad is drawing on the club's legendary comeback history to fuel their confidence.
Only three teams have previously managed to reverse a similar deficit in UCL knockout stages, emphasizing the difficulty of the task ahead. Nonetheless, the players are unified in their belief that a comeback is possible. By the Numbers- Real Madrid has never overturned a three-goal deficit in a UCL knockout game. Three teams have accomplished such turnarounds in the league's history, the most notable being Barcelona's 'Remontada' against PSG in 2017. Real Madrid is heading into the second leg of the quarterfinals after a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to adjust the lineup, notably with Eduardo Camavinga suspended. Players are rallying around the concept of a "Remontada," reflecting a strong collective belief in the possibility of turning the match around. As the second leg approaches, Real Madrid will focus on maximizing their experience and tactical adjustments to mount a serious challenge against Arsenal. A strategic overhaul is anticipated to exploit any weaknesses in the Gunners' defense.
The outcome will influence the team's morale and momentum for the rest of the season. Bottom LineReal Madrid's wealth of experience in high-stakes matches sets the stage for what could be a legendary comeback, as the players draw on their rich history and collective belief. The resolve displayed by Bellingham and his teammates highlights the team's potential to surprise, making this match critical not just for progression in the tournament but also for establishing their legacy.
Real Madrid will host Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The Los Blancos trail by three goals to the Gunners thanks to two Declan Rice free-kicks and Mikel Merino’s goal. Ahead of the second leg, which will commence on April 16, Jude Bellingham has expressed immense confidence in a possible comeback by Real Madrid in the reverse fixture. Given the history, it won’t be the first time Real Madrid achieves something like this.
Expressing his confidence in the squad, the heart of Madrid’s midfield told Sky Sports: “By the time we were back in the bus in London, we were all believing that we could come back in the tie. We are going with the mentality that only a comeback is possible. We have confidence because of the club’s history and we also feel this team can make it special.”
Bellingham also addressed the most said word in the dressing room as ‘Remontada’ as he continued: “The most word used in the dressing room in the last days is Remontada! Also, people around us believe we can do it; this only happens at Real Madrid for sure.”
Reflecting on how it was a disappointing first leg, Bellingham has expressed how everyone around thinks a comeback is very much still in the picture. Talking about soaking the pressure and wanting to perform, the Englishman continued: “We lost 3-0, one of the worst results… and for some reason, everyone thinks we’ll come back. It’s a nice feeling; it means you’re in a club like no other. The best club. There’s a pressure that comes with that, and we’ll wanna deliver.”
Real Madrid will have all the footballing eyes on them today as no expert will rule them out of this tie yet. Having scored several goals in the dying moments to secure a second-leg comeback, the Los Blancos find themselves in the same territory again. Santiago Bernabeu, who has provided endless European drama over the years, will be looked at again as the Arsenal side will see the white sea around them.
The first quarter of the clash will be a very important phase which could open or close the game for anyone with the scoring. Jude Bellingham warned that the three-goal deficit Real Madrid has to overcome against Arsenal in the Champions League is a scenario "tailor-made" for the Spanish giants. The England international conceded that Madrid "were nowhere near it" against the Gunners in last week's 3-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
Yet, the build-up to the quarter-final second leg on Wednesday has been dominated by increasing belief that the competition's comeback specialists can pull off another turnaround. The speculation of a 'remontada' - a comeback - has reached a point of such expectation that even Bellingham called it "weird". "Remontada. Honestly, I've heard it a million times this week, I've seen a lot of videos on social media, and I've also heard it from you, the press," Bellingham told assembled media before Arsenal arrive at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta acknowledged that "narrative is fuel" for Real Madrid. "It is part of their history and I understand it," he admitted. "They have the right to think of that scenario. Our mindset has to be different." Arteta could match Real Madrid's confidence. "If I had to pick one of the scenarios that I want the most, it would be this one," he insisted. "The feeling is excitement. We want to create history. We are trying to do something consistently, to start to dominate European competition. This is a great opportunity. For sure, we are convinced. When you want to create history, build a story, first of all, you have to be excited, really prepared and really convinced about what you want to achieve. Then it is about insisting, going step by step."
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham says it's time they repay their fans as he revealed the comeback spirit in the dressing is "contagious". Los Blancos are looking to add another historic chapter to their rich history in the Champions League when they come up against Arsenal. However, they will have to overcome a three-goal deficit after the Gunners ran riot in the first-leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta and his side have one foot in the semi-final but will need to overcome the reigning European Cup holders and the record champions. Much has been made of the previous comeback wins in the Spanish capital for Los Blancos, including the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Wolfsburg who have been on the receiving end of turnarounds at the Bernabeu.
"Straight after the game, it is tough because you're dealing with the sucker punch and blow of the result; you're probably more negative than positive in that moment," said Bellingham. "You get your shower and start speaking to other lads then with the experience some of the players have, it’s contagious really. They’ve been in these situations before where they’ve not delivered in the first leg but then they come back. I think picking the brains of those players, by the time you left the stadium, we thought we can do this."
He added: "Leading into the stadium, you have the fans on the street, the horses, the flares going up, the first time I seen it, I couldn’t believe it. I’d never seen anything like it in football then you go into the stadium, from the warm-up it’s going to be bouncing soon as the anthem comes on. [When] The fans sing our anthem, it’s going to be something crazy, I’d imagine there will be a display and things like that. The one thing you know, the consistent thing of our season will be the fans, I don’t have to ask any more of them. I know they’re going to deliver; it’s our time to repay them.
As the match day approaches, Real Madrid remain focused on the task ahead, drawing strength from their storied past and the unwavering support of their fans. The players are ready to rise to the occasion, and the Santiago Bernabeu is set to witness another thrilling chapter in the Champions League saga.
