Real Madrid coach on comeback vs Arsenal: Stranger things have happened at Bernabeu-OxBig News Network

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti remains confident that his side has what it takes to stage a comeback against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League, as the quarter-final fixture moves to the Santiago Bernabu in Madrid. After suffering a 3-0 defeat in the first leg at the Emirates, Ancelotti insisted that everything is still to play for when the two teams meet again on 17 April.

Goals from Declan Rice—who scored a brace—and Mikel Merino left Los Blancos stunned in London. However, speaking at the post-match press conference, Ancelotti pointed to Real Madrid’s long-standing tradition of producing dramatic turnarounds at the Bernabu, suggesting that another against Arsenal is far from impossible.

“We have to do everything we can to try and recover. The chances are pretty slim but we have to try, and we’ll try and do it any way we can. Let’s see if we can pull it off. It feels as though there’s no chance after tonight, but things always change in football. Nobody expected Arsenal to score two free-kicks, but anything can happen. It’s very tough, but stranger things have happened at the Bernabu,” Ancelotti said.

“It’s a tough loss. We weren’t expecting this. The team looked pretty good and well organised in the first half. Following the two set-piece goals, the team dropped off both mentally and physically. It was a difficult end to the game because we didn’t see the reaction we’re used to seeing from this team,” he added.

Madrid’s defensive frailties were on full display as the Gunners exploited the gaps with ease. The backline, featuring the likes of Antonio Rugiger, Raul Asencio, and David Alaba, lacked composure, which proved costly. Meanwhile, the attacking trio of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbapp and Rodrygo appeared disjointed, failing to find rhythm or threaten consistently. These are issues Ancelotti will be looking to address ahead of the crucial second leg.

The defeat only adds to Real Madrid’s mounting pressure, following a recent loss to Valencia in LaLiga—a result that further dented their hopes of catching table-toppers FC Barcelona.

With the return leg against Arsenal set for 17 April, the spotlight will once again fall on Ancelotti’s ability to inspire his side under pressure. The Bernabu has witnessed some of the most iconic comebacks in Champions League history, and Madrid fans will be hoping for another chapter in that legacy. Whether Ancelotti can steady the ship and script yet another fairytale remains to be seen.