Champions League: Ancelotti Urges Real Madrid to Deliver Special Performance

Real Madrid looks to stage a dramatic comeback against Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals, despite a 3-0 deficit from the first leg. Manager Carlo Ancelotti believes the Santiago Bernabeu's atmosphere can spark a magical performance.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed hope that his team can produce a magical night at the Santiago Bernabeu to overturn the 3-0 deficit against Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals. Arsenal's victory in the first leg, fueled by Declan Rice's two impressive free kicks, has given them a significant advantage heading into the return leg.

Real Madrid, a 15-time European champion, has a history of remarkable comebacks in the Champions League knockout stages. Carlo Ancelotti emphasized the special atmosphere of the Santiago Bernabeu, saying, “The Bernabeu has magic, everyone knows it's a special atmosphere.”

Ancelotti outlined the requirements for a successful comeback, stating, “Tomorrow we need a bit of everything, quality and a complete game in terms of physicality and collective attitude. Not one of these things can go wrong.” Real Madrid has previously overturned deficits against Paris St Germain, Manchester City, and VfL Wolfsburg, all at the Bernabeu.

“Madrid have the resources to turn this tie around. We have the quality, the commitment, the experience, the fans. The resources are there and now it's time to make the best of it...

“(Games at the Bernabeu) are very important because the boost from the fans has helped us a lot. Tomorrow it will be the same, we need to play at our maximum level to try to change the tie. It's very complicated at the moment, but tomorrow we'll try to change that.”

🎙️ @MrAncelotti 🎙️
📺 Press conference ➡️ RM Play

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 15, 2025

Carlo Ancelotti described Arsenal as a “very well-organised team” with a clear defensive and offensive strategy. “They are not the most experienced, but they have a very clear idea both defensively and offensively. They are very focused on what they have to do. And they are more focused on that than on the atmosphere,” he added.

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham expressed his motivation for the match, saying, ”I've heard it a million times since last week, I've seen a million videos - it's really motivating stuff.” The team is fired up for the challenge against Arsenal, who are seeking their first semi-final appearance since 2009.

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham expressed the team's motivation ahead of the match against Arsenal. “I've heard it a million times since last week, I've seen a million videos - it's really motivating stuff,” he said. Bellingham added, ”It's a night that's made for Real Madrid. A night that would go down in history but also something that people are familiar with around this part of the world. Hopefully we can add another special night.”