For a moment, it looked like the usual script—Real Madrid absorbing pressure as their attacking stars lurked, ready to strike Arsenal on the break. But Declan Rice shattered expectations with two stunning free-kicks, and Mikel Merino added a third, putting the reigning champions on the brink of Champions League exit after a 3-0 first-leg quarter-final defeat on Tuesday.
Now, Los Blancos must turn to another familiar storyline: the miraculous comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu. And they wasted no time setting that narrative in motion.
“We’re totally convinced we can turn it around, this is Real Madrid, positive mindset and let’s go for it,” said defender Raul Asencio.
“If there’s one team in the world that can turn this around, it’s us, with our fans, with our pitch, our stadium,” Lucas Vazquez told Movistar.
“Next Wednesday will be a totally different game to this and together we will get it done.”
Yet, despite their confident words, doubt is surely beginning to creep in for Madrid.
This isn’t the same dominant side that lost only twice last season—Tuesday’s defeat at the Emirates marks their 11th loss of the current campaign.
Vinicius Junior is off form, Kylian Mbappe is trying to carry the load alone, and Eduardo Camavinga will miss the second leg through suspension.
Thibaut Courtois produced several fine saves in London, but even he was powerless to stop Rice’s two clinical free-kicks that pushed the 15-time champions to the brink.
Real Madrid’s history of dramatic European comebacks has taken on a life of its own—a prophecy that seems to fulfill itself.
The Bernabeu faithful turn matches into a whirlwind, fueling belief that no deficit is too great, while opponents often start to buckle under the pressure.
In 2022, Paris Saint-Germain held a two-goal aggregate lead—until Karim Benzema flipped the script with a 17-minute hat-trick.
More astonishing turnarounds followed against Chelsea and Manchester City en route to one of the most unforgettable Champions League triumphs ever.
“(A comeback) is difficult but we know we’re strong at home with our fans,” said Courtois.
“They have to believe in this team, from the first minute we’ll give everything to turn around the result.
“We have to correct our mistakes and try to win. If we score one or two, quickly… I think it’s possible.”
Despite their external confidence, Madrid saw how tough Arsenal are to crack.
Even with centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes out injured, the Gunners were able to keep Carlo Ancelotti’s superstars at bay on Tuesday.
Arteta’s side is extremely conservative, only allowing Madrid a couple of opportunities on the break in the first leg, and their lead gives them license to hold back next week and deny Vinicius and Mbappe space to operate.
However at Real Madrid there is only one way of thinking permitted.
“In football, everything can happen,” pointed out Ancelotti.
“We’ll need something special,” said Jude Bellingham, who created Madrid’s best two chances in the first leg.
“Of course we can,” said Mbappe, when asked if Madrid can fight back as he headed for the team bus.
