Credited from: ALJAZEERA
Real Madrid is gearing up for a significant challenge as they aim to overturn a 3-0 deficit against Arsenal in their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. The reigning champions were defeated convincingly by Arsenal last week, with midfielder Declan Rice scoring two remarkable free kicks. Despite the tough situation, Madrid is determined to leverage their home advantage to stage a memorable comeback, according to Al Jazeera.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti highlighted the unique atmosphere of the Bernabeu and its ability to inspire the team. "The Bernabeu has magic; everyone knows it's a special atmosphere," Ancelotti stated, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive performance that combines quality, physicality, and collective attitude. He noted that previous comebacks in the Champions League at home give Madrid the confidence needed for this daunting task, as detailed by Channel News Asia.
Promising young midfielder Jude Bellingham remains optimistic about Real’s chances, declaring that the night is "made for Real Madrid." He articulated his belief that this match offers a chance to create history, pointing out that it is an opportunity for the team to do something unprecedented. Bellingham's confidence is palpable as he reflects on their potential performance at home, as he mentioned in an interview with BBC.
While Real Madrid is known for recovering from significant deficits, this particular challenge remains daunting. In the Champions League era, the team has never successfully come back from a three-goal deficit. However, Madrid's rich history of overcoming obstacles provides fans with some hope, alongside a strong lineup that includes high-profile players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., according to Al Jazeera.
On the other side, Arsenal aims for its first semifinal appearance since 2009, buoyed by their notable performance in the first leg. Ancelotti acknowledged the quality of the Arsenal side, describing them as "well-organized" with a clear tactical vision. Madrid's defensive line will have to contend with the creativity of Arsenal's offense, underscoring the high stakes of this match, as reported by Channel News Asia.