Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti says his side will fight until the end to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final.
Ancelotti, no stranger to dramatic European nights, referenced the famous 2017 comeback where Barcelona reversed a 4-0 loss to PSG with a stunning 6-1 win at Camp Nou sparking global use of the term remontada, Spanish for comeback.
Speaking ahead of the decisive second leg, the Italian tactician remained hopeful:
“Remontada? We will try. It happened many times. We will try until the last minute.”
Real Madrid have their work cut out after a commanding first-leg performance from Arsenal. The Gunners were clinical at the Emirates, with Declan Rice netting two superb free kicks to help secure a 3-0 win.
This is only the second Champions League knockout meeting between the two clubs. The first came in 2006, when Thierry Henry’s solo goal in the Bernabéu sent Arsenal through to the quarterfinals though they would eventually lose to Barcelona in the final.
Ancelotti’s future at the Santiago Bernabéu is now under scrutiny. With reports of a possible exit swirling, the pressure is mounting. Before Wednesday’s showdown with Arsenal, Madrid must first keep pace in La Liga with a must-win clash against Deportivo Alaves today.
All eyes now turn to midweek, as the Spanish giants aim to write another chapter in Champions League history.
