Champions League Quarterfinals: Mbappe Aims to Spark Madrid's Dramatic Turnaround

Real Madrid's rich history of comebacks gives them hope against Arsenal. Can Kylian Mbappe lead the charge and pull off a dramatic turnaround?

Kylian Mbappe is confident that Real Madrid can produce a historic comeback against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals. After joining the club in search of European glory, Mbappe believes Madrid can overcome a 3-0 deficit following Arsenal's dominant win in the first leg.

The French superstar's explosive talent gives Madrid hope of achieving the seemingly impossible. Mbappe expressed his confidence in a potential comeback, saying, “Of course we can.” Arsenal's 3-0 win, highlighted by Declan Rice's two free-kicks and Mikel Merino's third goal, puts them in a strong position, but Madrid is known for dramatic turnarounds in the Champions League.

Arsenal is aware that the job is far from done, especially given Kylian Mbappe's devastating impact against Manchester City earlier this season. Mbappe's hat-trick against City in February showcased his ability to change the course of a match.

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Despite being sent off against Alaves on Sunday, Mbappe should be fresh for the match against Arsenal, having only played 38 minutes in Madrid's 1-0 win. Mbappe has been in impressive form this season, scoring 33 goals in 49 games across all competitions. This tally matches Cristiano Ronaldo's record in his first season at Real Madrid, adding to the expectation that Mbappe could lead his team to a dramatic comeback.

Kylian Mbappe has experienced the agony of a Champions League comeback failure in the past. In 2022, he scored crucial goals for PSG, but Real Madrid staged a remarkable comeback, with Karim Benzema scoring a 17-minute hat-trick to eliminate the French side.

Mbappe described his recent hat-trick against Manchester City as a “big night” he had been craving. “I've been dreaming of moments like this since I was a kid, to play for this club and to feel what it's like on a big night at the Bernabeu,” he said. “A lot of people have told me about it, but now I've seen it with my own eyes, and I hope we'll have many more.” Mbappe is now set to lead Real Madrid's charge against Arsenal, seeking another memorable night at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid's History of Comebacks

Real Madrid has a reputation for staging remarkable comebacks in the Champions League. In 2022, they came from behind to beat Manchester City despite trailing 5-3 on aggregate, ultimately winning 6-5. One of their most notable comebacks was in the 2014 final against Atletico Madrid, where Sergio Ramos's 93rd-minute header forced extra time, and Madrid went on to win 4-1.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who played a key role in many of these comebacks, said, “At the Santiago Bernabeu, comebacks are always on everyone's lips.” Ronaldo himself was instrumental in a 2016 comeback against Wolfsburg, scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 second-leg win after Madrid trailed 2-0 from the first leg. Kylian Mbappe would dearly love to emulate Ronaldo's feats and lead Madrid to another dramatic comeback against Arsenal.

Real Madrid's history of comebacks dates back to the 1980s, with winger Juanito playing a key role in several dramatic turnarounds, including the 1985 UEFA Cup semi-finals. Before Madrid's 3-0 win over Inter Milan in the second leg, Juanito warned, “90 minutes at the Bernabeu is a long time.”

Kylian Mbappe's arrival at Madrid is aimed at adding to the club's rich history of comebacks. Arsenal's visit presents the perfect opportunity for this. Coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasized the importance of confidence, saying, “We have to believe, we have to have confidence. Because sometimes, quite often at the Bernabeu, it happens.” This mindset reflects the club's legacy of overcoming adversity and achieving the unexpected.