Real Madrid welcome Arsenal to the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, trailing 3–0 after a humbling first-leg defeat in north London.
Despite the deficit, the Spanish giants are not to be counted out easily, especially given their historic resilience in this competition.
An early goal from Los Blancos could tilt the momentum, but Arsenal will aim to stay disciplined and avoid an early onslaught.
Arsenal eyeing defensive record
Mikel Arteta’s men remain unbeaten against Real Madrid in European competition, with two wins and a draw, and notably have not conceded in any of those encounters.
If they maintain another clean sheet, they would become the first team to shut out Real in four consecutive Champions League matches—an unprecedented feat.
History weighs heavily on Madrid
Real Madrid have faced elimination in three of the four times they lost the first leg of a Champions League knockout tie by three or more goals.
Their only comeback came in 1975/76 against Derby County. Furthermore, in 53 matches against English opposition in Europe, Real have managed to win by a margin of three or more goals on just two occasions.
Formidable home record gives hope
Since the 2015/16 season, Real Madrid have hosted the second leg of a Champions League knockout tie 15 times, suffering elimination only once—against Ajax in 2018/19.
They have also won eight consecutive knockout ties, reinforcing their reputation as comeback specialists.
Front three under scrutiny
Kylian Mbappe (of Cameroonian and Algerian descents) has impressed statistically with 32 goals this season, including a hat-trick against Manchester City, but his influence has waned in high-stakes matches.
Vinicius Jr. (also of Cameroonian descent) and Jude Bellingham have strong individual tallies but lack cohesion. Collectively, Real’s attack—despite prolific numbers—has not consistently delivered when it matters.
With Arsenal in firm control and Madrid’s stars needing to rise to the occasion, the second leg promises tension and high drama.
