Shaken Real insists comeback is possible

LONDON — For a while it seemed like the same old story, Real Madrid soaking up the pressure, while its attacking superstars waited impatiently to punish Arsenal on the counter.

But, then, Declan Rice scored from two brilliant freekicks and Mikel Merino added a third goal, leaving the holder on the verge of Champions League elimination, as Arsenal secured a 3-0 quarterfinal first-leg triumph under the north London lights on Tuesday.

Instead, Los Blancos are forced to fall back on another of their favorite tales, that of the impossible comeback made reality at the Santiago Bernabeu, and the party line was immediately clear.

"We're totally convinced we can turn it around, this is Real Madrid; (keep a) positive mindset and let's go for it," said defender Raul Asencio.

"If there's one team in the world that can turn this around, it's us, with our fans, with our pitch, our stadium," Lucas Vazquez told Movistar.

"Next Wednesday will be a totally different game to this, and together we will get it done."

However, despite their words, this time Madrid must have doubts creeping in.

This is not the Real Madrid side that lost just two games the whole of last season — the humbling at the Emirates is its 11th defeat of the campaign.

Vinicius Junior is struggling for form, Kylian Mbappe can't do it all by himself — even though he kept trying — and Eduardo Camavinga is banned for the return leg after being red carded.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a handful of excellent saves in London, before Rice's two freekicks left him flailing, and left the record 15-time winner on the ropes.

Real Madrid's long list of comebacks in Europe is an exponentially self-fulfilling prophecy.

Fans at the Bernabeu help whip games into a frenzy, believing their team will triumph no matter the situation, and Madrid's opponents start to crack.

With Paris Saint-Germain two goals ahead on aggregate in 2022, a 17-minute Karim Benzema treble turned the tie on its head.

It pulled off further sensational comebacks against Chelsea and Manchester City on the way to the trophy in one of the wildest runs in the competition's history.

" (A comeback) is difficult, but we know we're strong at home with our fans," said Courtois.

"They have to believe in this team, from the first minute we'll give everything to turn this result around.

"We have to correct our mistakes and try to win. If we score one or two, quickly... I think it's possible."

Despite its external confidence, Madrid saw how tough Arsenal is to crack.

Even with centerback Gabriel Magalhaes out injured, the Gunners were able to keep Carlo Ancelotti's superstars at bay on Tuesday.

Mikel Arteta's side is extremely conservative, only allowing Madrid a couple of opportunities on the break in the first leg, and its lead gives it license to hold back next week and deny Vinicius and Mbappe space to operate.

However, at Real Madrid there is only one way of thinking allowed.

"In football, anything can happen," Ancelotti pointed out.

"We'll need something special," said Jude Bellingham, who created Madrid's best two chances in the first leg.

As he headed for the team bus, when asked if Madrid can fight back, Mbappe responded: "Of course we can."

AFP