Real Madrid players have reportedly been offered a hefty financial incentive by club president Florentino Perez if they can pull off a stunning Champions League comeback against Arsenal.
Following a 3-0 first-leg defeat at the Emirates Stadium, Los Blancos face an uphill battle in Wednesday’s quarter-final return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. But with their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, Perez is said to have taken a hands-on approach to rally the squad.
According to SPORT, Perez visited the dressing room after Madrid’s narrow 1-0 La Liga win over Alaves and addressed the squad directly including Kylian Mbappe with a message of belief and a promise:
“If you win and reach the semi-finals, you’ll receive a reward from the club.”
The motivational visit mirrors similar gestures made earlier in the season, such as after Madrid’s victory over Atletico in the round of 16, when players also received bonuses for their performance.
The stakes are much higher now, not just for Madrid’s European ambitions, but also for Carlo Ancelotti, whose future at the club remains uncertain. The Italian manager has reportedly held multiple strategy sessions with players, urging them to believe in a ‘remontada’ a famous comeback that the club is historically known for.
With the home crowd behind them and Perez’s challenge ringing in their ears, Real Madrid will need nothing short of a miracle night at the Bernabeu to topple a confident and composed Arsenal side.
Will money, pride, and Madrid magic be enough to turn the tide? All eyes on Wednesday night.
