Carlo Ancelotti remains positive after a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of the 2025 UEFA quarter-final. With that loss at the Emirates, pressure will be on Los Blancancos for the second leg of Real Madrid vs Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
What happened at the Emirates Stadium?
Arsenal absolutely dominated Madrid, racking up three goals with no answer from them. In the first half, Madrid managed to resist Arsenal pressure, but in the second half, they totally crumbled and allowed the Gunners to take charge.
Martin Ødegaard opened the scoring with a low shot from outside the box. Gabriel Jesus added a second goal with a quick header from a corner kick.
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The final goal in the 85th minute was scored by Bukayo Saka, who finished calmly in a counter-attack. The pace and movement of Arsenal were too much for Real Madrid defenders.
Andriy Lunin, their goalkeeper, made some important saves at the beginning, but he, unfortunately, couldn’t prevent goals from coming in as Arsenal fierce firing continued. Jude Bellingham, one of the main midfielders, was entirely ineffective in the match.
Ancelotti Post-Match Comments and Confidence
After the game, Ancelotti revealed that the team was mentally hit by the two set-piece goals. “It’s very difficult, but such things already happened at the Bernabeu,” he said in a post-match interview.
He admitted that it was a very poor performance-an especially poor second half-and that they would learn from that.” The team lost its structure and we need to fix that before the return leg,” he concluded.
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Regardless of the outcome, Ancelotti reaffirmed his belief that the team could forge a comeback at home. “We still have ninety minutes at the Bernabeu, and we know what this club is capable of,” added Ancelotti.
It was a show of respect paired with steely determination regarding Ancelotti assessment of Arsenal display. Commending the Gunners for their execution was fine, but don’t forget Real Madrid historic comeback tactics.
Can Real Madrid Stage Another Comeback Again in the Bernabeu?
Real Madrid has had stories of incredible comebacks hosted in the Champions League at home. All European football lovers would testify of the magic of the nights of Santiago Bernabeu comeback.
In one of the greatest comebacks, Madrid were down 3-1 from the first leg against PSG but went on to score three goals in just 17 minutes in 2022. In the same season, they shocked Manchester City in the semi-finals with two stoppage-time goals.
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Any narrative about Real Madrid remaining steady in the Champions League has late drama etched into its DNA. Ancelotti is cherishing the hope that this Bernebeu will stand true for his team once again.
Midfielder Jude Bellingham said, “We know the task ahead is big, but this is Real Madrid. We never give up.”
More Magical Comebacks Have Occurred at the Bernabeu
The ground of honourable mentions for comebacks across Europe has been the Santiago Bernabeu. In 2017, from the first leg loss to Wolfsburg, Ronaldo pulled off a hat trick.
He pushed the tie into extra time against Chelsea in 2022 before Benzema finally sealed it. These matches remind fans of the ‘never-say-die’ attitude of the Madrid football club.
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Real Madrid other clubman-turned-legends-in-a-nutshell helped write comebacks as a player and coach. Zidane influence permeates still, across current generations and players, especially during dark days.
No doubt the heroes of Los Blancos show up precisely when the moment calls for it. The second leg has it in the stars to write some new propositions in Madrid 2025 lore.
Tactical Masterclass of Arsenal Explained
Arteta tactics were close to perfection on that day. Arsenal had Madrid pressed high, forcing mistakes while playing through the midfield.
The Gunners made 16 goal attempts, 9 on target, and controlled 57% in possession. Their pressing game disrupted even the very first rhythm of Real Madrid.
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Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard kept Madrid creative players under close policing by dominating the midfield area. Meanwhile, the movement of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli stretched the backline and opened gaps that Arsenal players exploited.
At the other end, their defense was equally brilliant, nullifying Vinicius Jr. for most of the game. William Saliba and Gabriel excelled in aerial duels and were accurate with their tackles.
Arteta system did very little to exploit the strongest characteristics of Real Madrid while maximally utilizing the moments in transitions. The Arsenal versus Real Madrid highlights showcase the clinical approach of Arsenal.
Fan Voice!
After the first leg, most of the fans on social media are divided. Some believe in a Bernabeu miracle while others presume Arsenal already have one foot in the semis.
One fan tweeted, “Real Madrid are never out till the final whistle at the Bernabeu. I still believe.”
Another said, “These Arsenal deserve their credit. They outplayed us. But the second leg will be different at home.”
The stage is now set for one dramatic European night. Will Real Madrid be able to come through once again with another iconic comeback?
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