In the 8th Real Madrid pulled out an impossible comeback

Real Madrid are in an unfamiliar position to become a loser ahead of a Champions League tie with Arsenal as they hope to overturn the three-goal deficit.

It’s not often that the 15-time European champions are in such a dark position, but if you have one team in Europe you can’t have a miraculous comeback, it’s Madrid.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, the Champions League (and the European Cup) have seen many real comebacks, as if they needed to remind us that this tie is over.

Here we look back at eight of the eight times when Real Madrid performed a Champions League comeback when everything looked lost.

1

Real Madrid 6-5 Derby County (AET)

1975/76 European Cup 2nd Round

Perhaps Real’s most impressive comeback in the European competition, Los Blancos fought back in some way from their 4-1 first leg defeat after spending extra time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Even when Roberto Martinez (not) hit early on his return leg, a hat-trick from former Arasenal forward Charlie George appeared to have full control over English champion Derby County.

However, Quick Fire’s second half goal from Martinez and Santilana made little difference in George’s comfort and took Madrid within touched distance.

The second-series piri penalty sets an additional period. There, Santilana finally got the winner and eventually moved on through the real thing.

2

Real Madrid 3-2 Celt

1979/80 European Cup Quarterfinals

Real was once again at it as we saw Celtic nearly secured a great result after a 2-0 success at Parkhead.

However, in Game 2, the home side was ultimately controlled, and Santilana’s goal was to set a tense second season with a halftime stroke.

Following the Uli Stielike equalizer, Real completed their comeback late through Juanito’s late header.

3

Real Madrid 4-4 Red Star Belgrade

1986/87 European Cup Quarterfinals

Real Madrid’s away goal victory over Red Star Belgrade, who was down 3-0 at one point in the tie, deserves mention.

Hugo Sanchez’s braces gave Los Blancos a chance to fight in front of the feet of their home.

Emilio Butraguino’s opener rolled the ball before Manolo Sancis’ second half header gave Madrid the thinnest lead.

Madrid held to secure another comeback victory, but they were beaten by Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.

4

Real Madrid 4-3 Bayern Munich

1987/88 European Cup Quarterfinals

Real Madrid got revenge with the Bayerns a year later, even after falling to a 3-0 lead over the German side.

The Los Blancos weren’t on the scoresheet until 85 minutes after the first leg after a disruption on the Bayern defense.

The Real then halved the deficit of the Olympiastia Stadion through Sanchez, allowing them to finish their work in the soil of their home.

The detailed photographed goals from Milan Jankovic and Michel were enough to see Madrid to the last four, once again showing that the return feet of the Bernabeu are something to be feared.

5

Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid (AET)

2013/14 Champions League Final

Modern times have a significant portion of Madrid’s comeback as well. Real recovery in the 2014 final wasn’t due to a major deficit, but it was still a game that was a moment from their loss.

Diego Godin’s goal seemed to give the Laliga Champions the winner who secured a First Champions League victory, but Sergio Ramos’ header added additional time.

From then on, Real has controlled with three goals in the second half of the extra time. Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo all scored to seal “La Decima” on the side of Carlo Ancelotti.

6

Real Madrid 3-2 Wolfsburg

2015/16 Champions League Quarterfinals

Real Madrid were left shocked by the Wolfsberg side, not jamming into the Bundesliga mid-table after a 2-0 defeat in Germany.

However, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick gave the Los Blancos their quarter-final berth on their way to the trophy in 2016, Madrid looked back at the tie completely within 90 minutes, as if nothing had happened.

Wolfsberg had the chance to seal it off himself, but Ronaldo’s third – a free kick through the visitor’s wall – really handed him another comeback victory.

7

Real Madrid 6-5 Man City (AET)

2021/22 Champions League semi-finals

The reality was the absolute epitome of him being buried in the semi-finals against Manchester City in 2022.

City appeared to be aiming for a final Champions League appearance when Riyadh Mahrez placed City in front of the Bernabeu and stretched the total to 5-3.

It was ticking through the 90th minute, and Rodrigo was certainly a comforting one, giving up because he had only had six more minutes left.

Rodrigo came from Dani Carballard’s cross and only needed one more to mercilessly level his score.

Karim Benzema finished the city with extra time as Real Madrid made another Champions League final.

8

Real Madrid 4-3 Bayern Munich

2023/24 Champions League semifinals

By this point, Real Madrid’s unprecedented attitude in the Champions League was general knowledge and they never felt truly safe, even when they were on the brink of a 2024 semi-final victory.

Madrid saved the first leg draw thanks to a penalty from Vinicius Jr., but when Alfonso Davis placed Bayern before the Bernabeu, the Bayerns loved to advance to the finals.

Josel’s unlikely hero took the actual rescue in two minutes and took the mistake of leveling Manuel Neuer’s mistake again.

And when the side must have been mentally prepared for extra time, the former Newcastle United striker sent the real thing to Wembley after allowing his winner to stand dramatically on the VAR check and queued the mass celebrations.

Real Madrid must play similar heroes to repeat those scenes against Arsenal, suggesting that history is possible.