Arsenal try to avoid the trap, as Madrid dream of 'remontada'
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 16.04.25. | 13:00
The Gunners will try to defend a 3-0 lead they brought to the Spanish capital from London, while Los Blancos aim to repeat a comeback they made 50 years ago against another English side
Remontada.
If you ask Jude Bellingham, the word uttered most often at Santiago Bernabeu in the past seven days. The word that means "comeback" in Spanish and was widely popularized and recognized eight years ago when Barcelona eliminated Paris Saint-Germain after losing the first leg 4-0, beating the Saints 6-1 at Camp Nou in the UCL Round of 16.
Real Madrid's task won't be as challenging, as Los Blancos will chase "just" a three-goal deficit. But they will chase it against soaring Arsenal.
Real Madrid's admin ahead of their UCL clash vs. Arsenal 👀 pic.twitter.com/gBOy2hCOGc
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 16, 2025
The Gunners stunned the entire world last Tuesday, crushing Madrid like few others behind Declan Rice's career night and two free-kick bangers. At Emirates, Arsenal attacked, dominated, and controlled the game. In Madrid, they mustn't fall into a trap.
To be more precise, they mustn't rely solely on defending the advantage, no matter how convincing it is. Carlo Ancelotti's machinery is very dangerous, and when it starts crushing the rival, it doesn't stop. After all, defending against Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Co. at Santiago Bernabeu is practically a suicide.
Arsenal have to learn from history, as Madrid once managed to return from a three-goal deficit against an English side. Fifty years ago, in October 1975, Derby County smashed Los Blancos at Baseball Ground 4-1, only to suffer a 5-1 defeat in Spain two weeks later.
3- With at least two ties progressed, @realmadriden are the team in all European competitions with the highest percentage of ties progressed, overcoming a -3 goal deficit in the first leg (50%, three out of six).
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 16, 2025
vs Derby County 1975
vs Anderlecht 1984
vs Gladbach 1985
Juanito. pic.twitter.com/MkzqM6Gehk
In the end, only one thing's certain - one team's UCL way ends tonight. If Arsenal beat any other crew 3-0 in the first leg, everyone would already assess their chances against PSG in the semi-finals. But Real Madrid must never be underestimated.
Tonight's clash will tell if Arsenal are ready to join the European elite or if remontada will be the word of the day tomorrow in Madrid.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - QUARTER-FINALS
Second leg
Tuesday
Aston Villa - PSG 3-2 (1-2)
/Tielemans 34, McGinn 55, Konsa 57 - Hakimi 11, Mendes 27/
Dortmund - Barcelona 3-1 (1-0)
/Guirassy 11 pen, 49, 76 - Bensebaini 54 og/
Wednesday
22:00: (2.70) Inter (3.65) Bayern (2.60)
22:00: (1.75) Real Madrid (3.90) Arsenal (5.10)
***odds are subject to change***
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