Real Madrid suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, but belief within the squad remains strong. With less than 48 hours until the decisive second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, star midfielder Jude Bellingham addressed the team’s mindset and the possibility of a historic comeback.
Los Blancos have struggled in recent weeks, beginning with a surprising 2-1 loss to Valencia in La Liga, followed by the humbling result in London. Although they bounced back with a narrow 1-0 win over Deportivo Alaves, questions remain about their form heading into Wednesday’s clash. Despite the odds, Bellingham struck an optimistic tone in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.
“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 clubs history and we also feel this team can make it special,” Bellingham said.
The England international also revealed the spirit inside the locker room: “The most word used in the dressing room in the last days is ‘Remontada’ (Comeback)! Also people around us believe we can do it, this only happens at Real Madrid for sure.”
Real Madrid are hosting the second leg of the quarterfinals on Wednesday, hoping for the fans to push the team forward. However, the last antecedents aren’t positive for the Spanish side to overcome the duel against Arsenal.
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The stats, against Real Madrid’s comeback
The illusion about a potential comeback has been an idea built, not only by the fans, but also by the own players even moments after suffering the huge defeat. While optimism is high among players and fans, the numbers aren’t in Madrid’s favor.
In the history of the Champions League, Real Madrid have never overturned a three-goal deficit. Their biggest comeback came in the 2015–16 quarterfinals when they bounced back from a 2-0 first-leg loss to Wolfsburg with a 3-0 win at home, led by a Cristiano Ronaldo hat trick.
Additionally, Madrid have never beaten Arsenal in European competition. The two sides previously met in the 2005–06 Round of 16, where a 1-0 win for Arsenal at the Bernabwu and a goalless draw in the return leg sent the Gunners through. Arsenal would go on to reach the final that year, losing to FC Barcelona.
