Bellingham Eyes Historic Comeback in Real Madrid vs Arsenal Second Leg

Jude Bellingham believes Real Madrid are poised to write another dramatic chapter in their storied European legacy as they prepare to host Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday night.

Trailing 3-0 from the first leg at Emirates Stadium, the defending champions face a monumental task at the Santiago Bernabeu (20:00 BST). But the 21-year-old midfielder says it’s the kind of occasion that defines Real Madrid.

"I've heard it a million times since last week, I've seen a million videos – it's really motivating stuff," Bellingham said at Tuesday’s press conference.
"It's a night that's made for Real Madrid."

Madrid have only once overturned a deficit of three or more goals in a European knockout tie—against Derby County in 1975-76, when they won 5-1 at home after a 4-1 loss away. The club has never completed a comeback of this scale in the Champions League era.

Still, Bellingham believes Wednesday offers a rare opportunity to do something new.

"There's not a lot you can do for Real Madrid in the Champions League that hasn't already been done. Tomorrow is an opportunity for us to do something for the first time, so that's really important to us."

Arsenal Calm Ahead of Bernabeu Test

While Real Madrid prepare for a historic night, Arsenal are on the verge of reaching their first Champions League semi-final since 2009. A composed and confident Gunners side, led by manager Mikel Arteta, is determined to stay focused despite the intimidating atmosphere of the Bernabeu.

Goalkeeper David Raya downplayed the pressure of playing away in Madrid.

"The mood is great. It's not nerves – it's confidence and being able to replicate what we did in the first game," he told reporters.
"We're here to create our own history."

Asked about the challenge of facing Madrid at home, Raya said:

"We cannot control the fans, the stadium, and the atmosphere. What we can control is ourselves and what we do on the pitch."

Rice and Bellingham: Friends Turned Rivals

The first leg saw Declan Rice emerge as a standout performer for Arsenal, scoring two goals from free-kicks—despite never having scored from a direct set piece in a professional match. Bellingham, a close friend and England teammate, admitted his surprise.

"The free-kicks were surprising," Bellingham said. "I knew Declan could take set-pieces well, corners and stuff, but I'd never seen him do that. Fair play to him."

What’s at Stake

The winner of this quarter-final will go on to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa in the semi-finals. For Madrid, it’s a chance to preserve their dominance in the Champions League. For Arsenal, it’s a shot at reshaping their European narrative after years in the shadows.

With history, reputation, and ambition on the line, the Bernabeu is set for another electric night. Whether it becomes the scene of Real Madrid’s greatest comeback or Arsenal’s European breakthrough remains to be seen.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for full coverage of the Champions League and post-match analysis from Madrid.