Real Madrid Remains Confident of a Comeback Against Arsenal Despite Setback

For a moment, it felt like we were witnessing the same familiar narrative: Real Madrid absorbing the pressure while their attacking stars lingered in wait to strike Arsenal on the counter-attack.

But then Declan Rice netted two stunning free-kicks, with Mikel Merino adding another, leaving the defending champions on the brink of elimination from the Champions League following a 3-0 victory for Arsenal in the quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.

Now, the Los Blancos must rely on one of their played-out sagas — the tale of an impossible comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu. The sentiment was immediately apparent.

“We firmly believe we can turn this around. This is Real Madrid — we have a positive mindset and we’re ready to go for it!” declared defender Raul Asencio.

“If there’s a team in the world that can achieve this comeback, it’s us — with our supporters, our pitch, our stadium.” Lucas Vazquez said in an interview with Movistar.

“Next Wednesday will present a completely different challenge, and together we will make it happen.“

However, beneath their confident words, uncertainty may be infiltrating the minds of Madrid’s players.

This isn’t the Real Madrid that lost only two matches throughout last season; the defeat at the Emirates marks their 11th loss of the current campaign.

Vinicius Junior is out of sorts, Kylian Mbappe can’t shoulder the entire burden alone, despite his persistent efforts, and Eduardo Camavinga will be unavailable for the return leg.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois displayed excellent saves in London, but Rice’s two free-kicks left him with no chance, putting the 15-time Champions League winners under serious pressure.

‘Of course we can’

Real Madrid’s long-standing history of comebacks in Europe feeds into a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Supporters at the Bernabeu foster an electrifying atmosphere, convinced their team will prevail regardless of the circumstances, often causing opposition sides to falter.

During the 2022 campaign, with Paris Saint-Germain up by two goals on aggregate, a remarkable 17-minute hat-trick from Karim Benzema flipped the tie on its head.

They mounted further astonishing comebacks against Chelsea and Manchester City on their way to lifting the trophy in one of the competition’s most exhilarating journeys.

“(A comeback) is challenging, but we know our strength at home alongside our supporters,” Courtois remarked.

“They need to have faith in this team; from the very first minute, we will give everything to turn this result around.“

“We must address our errors and aim for victory. If we can get one or two goals quickly… I believe it’s possible.“

Despite their outward confidence, Madrid have come to understand just how difficult Arsenal are to break down.

Even with centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes sidelined due to injury, the Gunners managed to keep Carlo Ancelotti’s attacking talents at bay on Tuesday.

Arteta’s side plays a notably cautious game, permitting Madrid only a handful of opportunities to counter in the first leg, and their current lead grants them the freedom to maintain a secure formation next week, restricting space for Vinicius and Mbappe.

Nonetheless, within the walls of Real Madrid, only one mindset is acceptable.

“In football, anything can happen,” Ancelotti pointed out.

“We’ll require something extraordinary,” added Jude Bellingham, who created Madrid’s best chances in the first encounter.

“Of course we can,” Mbappe confidently stated as he made his way to the team bus when asked about the possibility of a Madrid revival.