For a while, it appeared to be the usual narrative: Real Madrid enduring the pressure while their attacking stars grew impatient, waiting to exploit Arsenal on the counter.
Then came the turning point—Declan Rice struck with two magnificent free-kicks and Mikel Merino chipped in with another goal, putting the holders on the brink of Champions League elimination as Arsenal secured a 3-0 first-leg win in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Now, Los Blancos must resort to one of their most familiar stories—the impossible comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu—and their message was immediate and resolute.
“We’re totally convinced we can turn it around. This is Real Madrid—it’s all about a positive mindset and going for it,” defender Raul Asencio declared.
“If there’s one team in the world that can do it, it’s us, with our fans, our pitch, and our stadium,” added Lucas Vazquez to Movistar.
“Next Wednesday will be a completely different game, and together we will make it happen.”
Yet, despite their confident rhetoric, doubts are beginning to surface. This isn’t the Real Madrid team that only lost two games last season—the loss at the Emirates marks their 11th defeat this campaign.
With Vinicius Junior struggling for form, Kylian Mbappe unable to shoulder everything alone despite his persistent efforts, and Eduardo Camavinga serving a ban for the return leg, Madrid’s challenges are mounting.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois delivered several excellent saves in London, but Rice’s two free-kicks ultimately left him helpless, placing the record 15-time winners on precarious footing.
Real Madrid’s long history of dramatic comebacks in Europe often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The fervor of their Bernabeu fans can transform the atmosphere, pushing opponents to crack under pressure.
Remember, in 2022, despite Paris Saint-Germain holding a two-goal aggregate advantage, a 17-minute Karim Benzema treble completely overturned the tie. Madrid then pulled off further incredible comebacks against Chelsea and Manchester City on their wild journey to lift the trophy.
“(A comeback) is difficult, but we know our strength lies at home with our fans,” said Courtois.
“They have to believe in this team. From the first minute, we’ll do everything to reverse the result. We need to fix our mistakes and take our chances—if we score quickly, one or two goals… it’s possible.”
Even with such external optimism, Madrid recognized the toughness of cracking Arsenal’s defense. Despite centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes being sidelined due to injury, the Gunners managed to keep Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded team at bay on Tuesday. Arteta’s side played extremely conservatively, limiting Madrid to only a few counter-attacking opportunities in the first leg. Their lead now grants them the confidence to hold back in the return, effectively denying Vinicius and Mbappe space to operate.
At Real Madrid, however, there’s only one mindset allowed.
“In football everything can happen,” Ancelotti observed.
“We’ll need something special,” added Jude Bellingham, who was responsible for creating Madrid’s best two chances in the first leg.
“Of course we can,” confirmed Mbappe as he headed for the team bus, underscoring the unwavering belief in their ability to fight back.
