Kylian Mbappe’s dream of joining Real Madrid was for one thing – UEFA Champions League glory. And now the time has come when he must prove his decision right. In the quarter-final second leg against Arsenal, Real Madrid are searching for a magical comeback – a comeback that will make their Champions League history.
Arsenal dismantled Real Madrid 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium last week. Two stunning free-kicks from Declan Rice and a goal from Mikel Merino have brought the Gunners very close to the final four. But Real Madrid, which has the experience of winning the Champions League 15 times, never surrenders like this.
While leaving the Emirates, Mbappe said, “Of course we can” – when he was asked if Madrid could make a comeback. This small line has become a hope for Madrid fans. Because if there is a player who can make the impossible possible, it is Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe: Comeback hero?
Mbappe is in his top form this season. With 33 goals in 49 matches, he has matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s record in his first season at Real Madrid. Ronaldo also scored 33 goals in the first season. Now fans want Mbappe to be a part of iconic comebacks just like Ronaldo was.
Remember his hat-trick against Manchester City in February? It put Madrid ahead with a 6-3 aggregate. The same energy, the same fire will be needed on Wednesday when Arsenal face the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid’s Comeback Legacy
If any club’s name is associated with comebacks, it is Real Madrid. Against PSG in 2022 – in which Mbappe himself scored a goal – Madrid sealed the tie by scoring 3 goals in 17 minutes. That comeback took them to the Champions League trophy.
Remember the 2014 final? Sergio Ramos’ header in the 93rd minute against Atletico Madrid, then 3 more goals in extra-time and Madrid won ‘La Decima’.
2-0 first leg deficit against Wolfsburg in 2016, but Ronaldo’s hat-trick in the return leg and a 3-0 win. For Madrid, “90 minutes at the Bernabeu is a long time” — and sometimes it is enough to write history.
Arsenal must remain alert.
Mikel Arteta and his players know that a 3-0 lead is not safe — especially when you’re up against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. They have seen Mbappe’s impact before, and now they want his defense to remain tight.
Mbappe got a red card after playing only 38 minutes in the La Liga match against Alaves on Sunday, but one advantage of this is that now he will be fully fresh for Wednesday.
Carlo Ancelotti and the Power of Belief
Real Madrid’s legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti said, “We have to believe, we have to have confidence. Because sometimes, quite often at the Bernabeu, it happens.”
Ancelotti knows that the Bernabeu is a place where football stories can be rewritten. He uses the energy of the fans, the belief of the players and the history of the club as a weapon.
Will Mbappe write a new comeback story?
Mbappe said, “I’ve been dreaming of moments like this since I was a kid.” This is that moment. A big European night, the electrifying atmosphere of the Bernabeu, and a strong team in front of him – Arsenal. If Mbappe really wants to become Madrid’s superstar, then this night is his acid test.
Madrid fans remember Ronaldo whenever there is talk of comebacks. Maybe after tomorrow they will take Mbappe’s name in the same breath.
In the end…
For Real Madrid, this is not just a match, but a question of honour, legacy and future. And for Kylian Mbappe, this night is a chance to prove himself right – and become part of the history he has always looked up to.
Now all eyes are on the Santiago Bernabeu – will another miracle be written there?
So are you ready to see another Real Madrid comeback?