It’s all or nothing for reigning Champions League holders Real Madrid on Wednesday night. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are staring down the barrel of elimination and must pull off one of the most dramatic comebacks in their storied European history if they want to keep their dream of a 16th title alive.
After being dismantled 3-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates in the first leg, Real return home to the Santiago Bernabéu needing a miracle. But if there’s one place in football where magic happens, it’s under the lights in Madrid.
Kylian Mbappé is still chasing his first direct free-kick goal in a Real shirt, but it was Arsenal’s £105 million man Declan Rice who stole the spotlight in London. The midfielder bagged two jaw-dropping set-piece goals in just 12 minutes, turning heads and raising eyebrows—even former Madrid free-kick legend Roberto Carlos, watching from the stands, had to be impressed.
Before halftime, Mikel Merino added a third with a stunning first-time finish, capping off a night to remember for the Emirates faithful. For Real Madrid, though, it was a night to forget—they were thoroughly outplayed and got exactly what they deserved: nothing.
That 3-0 defeat marked just the fifth time in club history that Madrid have lost the first leg of a Champions League or European Cup knockout tie by three or more goals. They’ve only come back to win once in those five instances—ironically, against Derby County in 1975–76, when they overturned a 4-1 deficit with a 5-1 win at home.
If anyone doubts whether a comeback is possible, just ask Manchester City or Chelsea what a Champions League night at the Bernabéu feels like. However, Real have only beaten an English team by four or more goals twice in UCL history—the Derby comeback, and a 4-0 demolition of Tottenham in 2011.
This past weekend, Madrid only managed a narrow 1-0 La Liga win over Alavés, thanks to Eduardo Camavinga. Mbappé saw red late on, and while Madrid rarely draw a blank at home (they’ve scored in every home Champions League match since 2018), they’ve also conceded in each of their last 10 at the Bernabéu—a stat that will give Arsenal plenty of encouragement.
Despite missing key players like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Magalhães, Arsenal looked unstoppable in the first leg. If they can even come close to that level again, a first Champions League semi-final since 2009 could be just 90 minutes away.
The only frustration for Mikel Arteta's men might be that they didn’t score more. Their 11 shots on target tied a UCL knockout record against Real Madrid, and yet they wasted more chances in a 1-1 draw with Brentford on the weekend—dropping points that may have ended their Premier League title hopes.
Still, that result stretched Arsenal’s unbeaten run to nine games, and they've scored in each of their last eight. They head to Spain with momentum and belief.
Arsenal have never lost a competitive match against Real Madrid. Their most famous win came in 2006 when Thierry Henry’s solo effort secured a 1-0 win at the Bernabéu. That unbeaten streak could end on Wednesday—and they’d still go through.
Madrid need a remontada. Arsenal just need to hold firm. One more magical night could rewrite history for either side.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Kylian Mbappé’s red card against Alavés won’t affect his Champions League status, but Real Madrid will be without Eduardo Camavinga on Wednesday. The midfielder picked up a second yellow in the first leg for kicking the ball away—an action that earned him a suspension regardless.
Camavinga joins long-term absentees Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal on the sidelines, both still recovering from serious knee injuries. Ferland Mendy (muscle) and goalkeeper Andriy Lunin (calf) are also big doubts after missing out entirely at the weekend.
On the positive side, Aurélien Tchouaméni returns from suspension and is expected to slot straight into midfield in place of Camavinga. Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior should also be fresh after limited minutes against Alavés.
For Arsenal, avoiding new injuries in their match against Brentford was the main goal—but it didn’t quite go to plan. Jorginho went off with a chest injury and has already been ruled out for a few weeks. Thomas Partey also picked up a knock but has been cleared to play, as has Ben White.
Regardless of White’s condition, Jurrien Timber is expected to start after being rested. Myles Lewis-Skelly, Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Mikel Merino—who has now scored four times against Real, more than any other opponent—are all set to return to the starting XI.
Arsenal will still be without several key names: Gabriel Jesus (knee), Gabriel Magalhães (hamstring), Kai Havertz (hamstring), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) all remain sidelined. Riccardo Calafiori is also unlikely to feature as he continues to deal with a knee issue.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba; Tchouameni, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
EXPERT PREDICTION
Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal
