Despite facing a three-goal deficit after their match at the Emirates Stadium, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is not losing hope for their Champions League quarter-final tie against Arsenal. While many might consider their chances slim after such a defeat, Ancelotti firmly believes that anything is possible in football, especially when playing at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is also aware of the challenge ahead. He knows that the tie is only halfway through and that playing at the Bernabeu will present a different scenario. Although Arsenal players celebrated their dominant 3-0 victory, secured with Declan Rice`s impressive free kicks, they understand that the return leg in Madrid will be crucial.
Ancelotti acknowledged the difficulty, stating, “Looking at tonight`s game, it seems impossible.” However, he quickly added, “But football is unpredictable. No one expected Rice to score two free kicks, yet he did. In football, anything can happen, and often, something special happens at the Bernabeu.”
Historically, comebacks of this magnitude in the Champions League are rare. Only three teams have successfully overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit at home. Real Madrid, despite their reputation for dramatic turnarounds, is not among them. Their most significant comeback was against Wolfsburg in the 2015-16 quarter-finals, where they recovered from a two-goal deficit. Adding to the challenge, Real Madrid has not scored against Arsenal in their previous three encounters.
The game might have taken a different turn had Kylian Mbappe converted a one-on-one chance against Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya in the first half. However, Arsenal tightened their defense as the game progressed, leaving Ancelotti disappointed with his team`s inability to improve their performance as the match went on.
“It was a very tough game for us,” Ancelotti admitted. “We believed we were strong coming into this match. In the first half, we were organized, but after conceding two goals from free kicks, the team struggled both mentally and physically. It was a difficult way to finish the game. Usually, this team elevates their level towards the end of matches, but this time, it didn`t happen. It was a poor performance.”
Arteta`s primary task now is to ensure his players remain focused. However, the players themselves seem to be managing expectations. “They were immediately talking about it being only halftime,” Arteta revealed. “It’s great to enjoy the win, but now we need to prepare for our next game on Saturday [against Brentford] and then we will have time to prepare for the challenge in Madrid. They are excited, but aware of the task ahead.”
Arteta and his players dismissed any notion of being underdogs before the game. While they remained grounded in their expressions of confidence, their preparation for such a significant match at the Emirates Stadium demonstrated their belief and determination. “I was very confident because I sensed in our preparation that we were ready, that we believed and trusted that we could cause Real Madrid problems,” Arteta concluded. “We had the mindset and the belief, and we delivered today. It`s only halftime, but we are very pleased.”
Dominic Ashworth