Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham recently remarked on the anticipation surrounding their Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash against Arsenal. The term “remontada,” which means ‘comeback’ in Spanish, had been recited countless times by both supporters and sports commentators in the days leading up to the match, emphasizing the immense pressure and hope enveloping the club.
Los Blancos face a formidable challenge at their home ground, the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, this Wednesday, following a tough 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium just a week before. Many teams might succumb to despair in such a situation, yet Bellingham displays a resolute belief in his team’s capability, labeling the second leg as “a night made for Real Madrid.” His teammate Kylian Mbappe echoed this confidence right after their loss, asserting that “of course, [Real] can win” the tie, maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity.
Historically, a comeback of such magnitude seems daunting for Real Madrid. The club has only managed to overturn a three-goal deficit once in their storied European history. This remarkable feat occurred during the 1975/76 season when they bested Derby County 6-5 on aggregate following a 4-1 loss in the opening leg of the encounter. Despite the odds being against them, the passionate history of comebacks at Real Madrid brings optimism among the fans and players alike.
One must consider the club’s legacy when reflecting on their past heroic recoveries. In their pursuit of resilience, here are five unforgettable instances of comebacks that Real Madrid fans may recall with pride.
The first memorable moment occurred in the Champions League final of the 2013/14 season against their city rivals, Atletico Madrid. This match was pivotal for Real as they aimed for their longstanding goal of winning their tenth European cup, also known as “La Decima.” For much of the final, Atletico was on the verge of triumph after Diego Godin capitalized on a mistake from goalkeeper Iker Casillas to score in the 36th minute. Despite Real’s overall dominance, they found themselves trailing until the dramatic 93rd minute when Sergio Ramos headed in a corner from Luka Modric. This late equalizer sent the match into extra time, where Real Madrid seized the moment, scoring three more goals to secure a 4-1 victory.
Another monumental comeback followed in the 2021/22 round of 16 against Paris St-Germain. In the first leg, PSG, featuring a star-studded lineup including Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe, captured a narrow 1-0 victory. However, the tide shifted dramatically during the second leg at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid found themselves down by two goals on aggregate after Mbappe scored early, yet Karim Benzema delivered a stunning hat trick, propelling Real into the quarter-finals with a 3-1 win.
The same season saw Real Madrid face Chelsea in an exhilarating quarter-final. After a comfortable 3-1 victory in the first leg at Stamford Bridge, the return leg turned into a nail-biter when Chelsea fought back to take a 3-0 lead. Nevertheless, a late goal from Rodrygo equalized the aggregate score, paving the way for Benzema to score again in extra time, sealing a 5-4 aggregate triumph.
The path became even more thrilling during the semi-finals of the 2021/22 season when Real Madrid clashed with Manchester City. Despite losing the first leg 4-3, they seemed out of contention until Rodrygo dramatically scored twice in injury time, bringing the match to extra time. Fuelled by the fervor of their fans, Real snatched a 6-5 aggregate victory, ultimately winning the final against Liverpool.
Most recently, in the semi-finals of the 2023/24 season, Real Madrid once again confirmed their prowess with a comeback against Bayern Munich. After a 2-2 draw in the first leg, a defeat loomed when Bayern scored in the second leg. Yet, late goals from Joselu secured Real Madrid’s progression, showcasing their indomitable spirit and resilience.
As Real Madrid prepares to face Arsenal, these historical moments drive the team and fans, reminding them of their capability to turn despair into triumph. The atmosphere at the Bernabeu could be electric, charged by the memories of past comebacks.
