Real Madrid legend Marcelo has expressed strong belief in the team’s ability to mount a dramatic comeback against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Madrid trail 3-0 on aggregate after a tough first-leg defeat at the Emirates Stadium. Two quick free-kick goals from Declan Rice left the Spanish giants with a mountain to climb. Despite the setback, Marcelo believes the tie is far from over.
“You can never write off Real Madrid,” he told ESPN. “Three goals is a lot, but I have full faith they can turn it around. Real Madrid always comes back.”
Marcelo pointed to the club’s history of staging memorable comebacks, including their stunning wins against Manchester City in 2022 and Bayern Munich last season.
He believes the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, backed by passionate fans, gives Madrid a real chance.
“The fans will push hard, and the players are confident. At Madrid, we’re taught to never give up. That attitude is in our blood. It’s not just the DNA, but also about hard work, humility, and daily dedication,” he said.
Only four teams have ever come back from a three-goal first-leg deficit in the Champions League knockout stages: Deportivo La Coruña (2004), Barcelona (2017), Roma (2018), and Liverpool (2019).
Even so, Marcelo believes Madrid’s experience and spirit give them a fighting chance.
