This week in the UEFA Champions League is all about comebacks, especially for Real Madrid. The reigning champions are aiming for a significant victory to keep their Champions League journey alive this season.
After a tough 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the first leg of the quarterfinals, Real Madrid faces a challenge. Despite being known as the `comeback kings` for their resilience in recent years, Wednesday`s second leg at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will truly test this reputation and could set the stage for an incredible turnaround.
Since their loss in London, the word `remontada,` Spanish for `comeback,` is strongly associated with Real Madrid. It evokes memories of past dramatic Champions League comebacks, and with their powerful attack featuring Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, another `remontada` seems possible.
Here’s what you need to understand about `remontada` and why it’s the hot topic as Real Madrid prepares to face Arsenal on Wednesday.
How to Watch Real Madrid vs. Arsenal, Match Info
- Date: Wednesday, April 16
- Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu — Madrid, Spain
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Real Madrid -140; Draw +300; Arsenal +340
What Does `Remontada` Mean?
`Remontada` is a Spanish word for `comeback` or `turnaround.` It`s often used in soccer to describe significant comebacks by Spanish teams, especially when they are particularly dramatic.
`La Remontada`: A Historic Comeback
The most famous example of `La Remontada,` meaning `The Comeback` as a proper noun, is Barcelona`s stunning 6-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in March 2017. PSG had won the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie 4-0, making the second leg at Camp Nou seem like a formality. However, Barcelona, under Luis Enrique, played with incredible intensity and won 6-1, defeating PSG 6-5 on aggregate to reach the quarterfinals. Neymar was the star of the match, scoring twice and earning man of the match in one of the most unforgettable Champions League comebacks.
Real Madrid Acknowledges the `Remontada` Talk
Real Madrid is well aware of the increased talk about `remontada` and has embraced the challenge for Wednesday`s important game.
Jude Bellingham mentioned in a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, `Remontada… honestly, I’ve heard it a million times this week. I’ve seen many videos on social media, and I’ve heard it from you in the press.`
Bellingham also spoke about Real Madrid`s history of comebacks in recent seasons, including their successful Champions League campaigns.
`It’s a perfect night for Madrid. The atmosphere has been incredible in recent days. [The first leg] was one of the worst possible results, and now everyone anticipates a comeback. Thinking about a `remontada` after the first game is tough as you`re analyzing what went wrong. But as you discuss it and see the confidence, you get into it. We have past experiences. These feelings are contagious. It started almost immediately, even on the bus after the first leg, though not as strong as it is now.`
Dominic Ashworth