Real Madrid find themselves in uncharted territory following a humbling 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
The loss, which ties their record for the heaviest first-leg defeat in the competition’s knockout stages, has left the Spanish giants with a mountain to climb ahead of the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Jude Bellingham, visibly frustrated after the match, issued a rallying cry to his teammates and a warning to Arsenal: “One place where crazy things happen is our house.”
The England midfielder acknowledged Real’s poor performance, stating they were “nowhere near it,” but remained optimistic about their chances of a dramatic turnaround.
Arsenal’s victory marked the 12th instance of an English team winning the first leg of a Champions League knockout tie by three or more goals—a statistic that has historically guaranteed progression to the next round.
However, Real Madrid’s storied history of comebacks in Europe offers a glimmer of hope.
From last-minute heroics against Bayern Munich and Chelsea to their unforgettable turnaround against Manchester City, the Bernabeu has been the stage for some of football’s most extraordinary moments.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti, undeterred by the daunting task ahead, declared, “There is always a first time. The comeback starts tonight.” His confidence is echoed by pundits and former players, who caution against underestimating the 14-time European champions.
Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, are wary of the challenge that awaits them in Madrid.
“We are going to have to be even better in Madrid to go through,” Arteta emphasized, acknowledging the resilience and unpredictability of their opponents.
As the second leg approaches on April 16, all eyes will be on the Bernabeu.
Can Real Madrid defy the odds once again, or will Arsenal’s commanding lead prove insurmountable?
