La Remontada or nothing: Madrid faces the impossible

As Real Madrid prepare for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal, the word echoing through their dressing room is “Remontada” (the comeback).

Jude Bellingham, speaking to the press ahead of the clash, confirmed that the term has become emotional anchor within the squad following a 3-0 defeat in London.

His words reflected a quiet confidence, even in the face of adversity. “Tomorrow is an opportunity to do something for the first time,” he said. “One place where crazy things happen is our house.”

Real Madrid’s Champions League legacy is built on nights like this, filled with impossible moments turned into history. But this time, the task feels different.

Arsenal’s first-leg dominance, sealed by two stunning goals from Declan Rice and a fine finish by Mikel Merino, has left Madrid needing to overcome a three-goal deficit at the Bernabeu.

While belief remains in the Spanish capital, history offers little comfort.

Madrid have never overturned such a margin in the Champions League era and it’s only happened four times in total since 1992. Their only successful comeback from three goals down dates back to 1976 against Derby County, long before the tournament’s modern format.

Despite this, there’s a sense of inevitability that surrounds Real Madrid on European nights. It’s what makes them feared, even when they’re down.

However, several analysts have raised concerns about this current Madrid team’s structure and cohesion. Pundit Guillem Balague pointed out the lack of defensive discipline and tactical organization, highlighting that Madrid covered 12 kilometers less than Arsenal in the first leg; a telling statistic.

Julien Laurens added that while the squad is brimming with individual talent, it lacks the tactical unity required to overcome such a challenge. There’s a feeling that Madrid believe they can always rely on late magic, but critics argue that such moments are running out.

Carlo Ancelotti, who has lifted the Champions League five times as a manager, remains composed. He acknowledged the weight of the night but showed no sign of pressure, saying only that it wouldn’t be his first time in such a situation nor, he hoped, his last.

Yet, there are still plenty of voices backing Madrid to do the impossible. Former players like Alessandro Costacurta and Fabio Capello both steeped in European history, have refused to write them off. There’s a mystique about the Bernabeu, a belief that in this stadium, with these fans, anything can happen.

But Arsenal are not an easy target. They come into this match with confidence, defensive solidity, and momentum.

Statistically, English teams who have won the first leg of a Champions League knockout tie by three goals or more have always advanced. Arsenal themselves have progressed from six of the eight ties in which they won the first leg and, notably, have never conceded a single goal in their three previous European matches against Madrid. Even without Gabriel, their backline remains one of the strongest in Europe.

Real Madrid may be the kings of comebacks, but this one may be a step too far.

The hunger is there, the history is behind them and the atmosphere at the Bernabeu will be electric, but Arsenal hold the advantage and will not give it up easily.

As Bellingham put it, “It’s a night that would go down in history.” Whether Madrid can add another miracle to their legend, or finally fall short, remains to be seen.