Real Madrid, the 15-time European champions, face a daunting task as they aim to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals at the Bernabeu on Wednesday. Declan Rice's double from set-pieces and Mikel Merino's curled strike gave Arsenal a commanding lead in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium. Despite their history of remarkable comebacks, Real Madrid have only overturned a three-goal deficit once in the Champions League, and Arsenal can take heart from the fact this is the joint-largest deficit Madrid have ever trailed by in Europe's top-tier tournament. Carlo Ancelotti, the most successful coach in Champions League history, acknowledged the challenge but believes "anything can happen." Jude Bellingham and his teammates are optimistic, with the England international stating, "Tomorrow is an opportunity for us to do something for the first time." Arsenal have a good record against Real Madrid in European competition and have a strong history of progressing when leading after the first leg. The omens are in Arsenal's favor, as they have never lost when winning the opening match by three or more goals in the Champions League knockout stage. However, Real Madrid's comeback kings remain confident, citing their impressive history of dramatic turns in the competition.
Source: BBC Sports Football
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