Despite a humbling 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, Real Madrid’s star forward Kylian Mbappe remains confident in his team’s ability to overturn the deficit.
The French superstar, still seeking his first Champions League title, insists that Real Madrid can mount a comeback in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 16.
“The comeback is possible, of course. We have to believe until the end,” Mbappe declared, signaling his determination to play a pivotal role in the second leg.
Mbappe’s frustration during the match was evident, as Arsenal dominated proceedings and Declan Rice stole the show with two stunning free-kicks.
Images of Mbappe reacting with shock and disbelief to Rice’s second goal quickly circulated online, encapsulating the sense of dismay within the Real Madrid camp.
The defeat leaves Carlo Ancelotti’s side reeling and facing a crucial period in their season. They face Alaves in La Liga, where a loss could see them fall seven points behind league leaders Barcelona, further jeopardizing their chances of silverware this season.
The match saw Arsenal take control early, with Declan Rice and Thomas Partey testing Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. David Raya denied Kylian Mbappé in a close-range duel, ensuring the first half ended goalless.
The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Rice scored the first of his two free kicks. Real Madrid’s frustrations were compounded in stoppage time when Eduardo Camavinga received a second yellow card for dissent, leaving his team further depleted ahead of next week’s second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
While Arsenal’s victory puts them in a strong position to advance, Real Madrid’s history of remarkable comebacks in the Champions League means they cannot be written off.
The second leg promises to be a tense and thrilling encounter, with Mbappe vowing to lead his team’s fightback.
The question remains: can Real Madrid overcome a dominant Arsenal and keep their Champions League dream alive?
