Los Blancos legend says “Real Madrid always comes back” as Ancelotti’s men look to overturn 3-0 deficit at Bernabéu
MADRID, Spain – As Real Madrid prepare for a monumental second-leg showdown with Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, club icon Marcelo has voiced unwavering belief in his former side’s ability to engineer another legendary European comeback.
Madrid trail 3-0 on aggregate after a stunning first-leg performance by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last week. Two expertly taken free kicks by Declan Rice, along with a clinical strike from Mikel Merino, put the Gunners in the driver’s seat, leaving Carlo Ancelotti’s squad with a steep hill to climb on Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Despite the daunting scoreline, Marcelo, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, remains confident in the club’s resilience and championship pedigree.
“You can never write off Real Madrid,” the Brazilian told ESPN in an interview on Monday. “Although three goals is a lot, I am always thinking about Real Madrid and have a lot of faith they’ll come back. Real Madrid is Real Madrid—and they always come back.”
A Familiar Challenge for Europe’s Comeback Kings
Marcelo’s optimism is far from misplaced. Over the past decade, Real Madrid have earned a reputation as Europe’s ultimate comeback specialists. Their Champions League history is filled with dramatic turnarounds, most notably in the 2021–22 season, where they overturned deficits against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Manchester City en route to lifting their 14th European title.
Carlo Ancelotti, who has guided Madrid to two Champions League trophies as manager, has often emphasized his team’s mental strength and belief—two attributes that will be essential if the Spanish giants are to stage a historic remontada at home.
Momentum and Belief After Weekend League Win
Madrid enter the second leg with a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Alavés in La Liga on Sunday. The victory, which came courtesy of a late goal from Brahim Díaz, helped consolidate Madrid’s position at the top of the Spanish domestic table and served as a timely confidence booster ahead of their European test.
Ancelotti used the match to rotate his squad and rest key players, including Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo, all of whom are expected to start on Wednesday. Defensive stalwarts Antonio Rüdiger and Dani Carvajal also trained fully on Monday, providing Ancelotti with a nearly complete squad to choose from.
Arsenal Aim to Finish the Job
For Arsenal, the task is simple—protect the three-goal lead and continue their impressive run in Europe. Mikel Arteta’s young and energetic side stunned the reigning champions in London with a performance full of intensity, tactical discipline, and set-piece brilliance.
Rice’s brace from free kicks showcased his expanding attacking arsenal, while Arsenal’s backline held Madrid to limited chances, a rare feat against a side that typically thrives in open, attacking games.
However, Arsenal’s domestic campaign suffered a minor hiccup on Saturday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford in the Premier League. The result may have disrupted their rhythm slightly, but Arteta remains focused on completing the job at the Bernabéu.
“We know what Real Madrid are capable of, especially at home,” the Arsenal manager said in a pre-match press conference. “Our players understand the magnitude of the occasion, and we must remain focused for the full 90 minutes. This tie is far from over.”
High Stakes at the Bernabéu
With both teams eyeing a place in the semi-finals, Wednesday’s match promises high drama. Madrid need at least three goals to force extra time and four to win outright, while Arsenal can advance with any win, draw, or even a narrow defeat.
The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu is expected to be electric, with Madrid supporters known for their ability to lift the team in critical moments. Previous Champions League nights at the stadium have produced unforgettable scenes—such as the 2022 semi-final comeback against Manchester City—and fans are hoping for more magic this time.
Star Players Set to Decide the Outcome
The game could be decided by the form of a few key players. For Madrid, Jude Bellingham, who has been instrumental since joining from Borussia Dortmund, will be expected to control the midfield and drive attacking transitions. Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo must provide the pace and creativity to unlock Arsenal’s well-drilled backline.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will rely on Rice to dominate midfield duels, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will aim to exploit space on the counterattack. In goal, Aaron Ramsdale will need to be at his best to withstand Madrid’s expected barrage.
Marcelo’s Message Resonates
Marcelo’s rallying cry has resonated with fans and former teammates alike. The 35-year-old Brazilian, now playing for Fluminense, remains one of the most decorated players in Madrid history. His belief in the club’s fighting spirit adds an emotional weight to the occasion, reminding fans and players that the Madrid crest represents more than just talent—it represents persistence, pride, and the refusal to surrender.
“Real Madrid always finds a way,” Marcelo said. “I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. And I believe we’ll see it again.”
Conclusion: All Eyes on Madrid
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, anticipation is building for what could be one of the defining matches of the 2023–24 Champions League campaign. Real Madrid face a massive challenge—but if history has taught football fans anything, it’s that when the stakes are highest, this club is capable of producing the extraordinary.
Whether Marcelo’s faith proves justified or Arsenal manage to hold firm, one thing is certain: the football world will be watching.
