Three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs Arsenal | UEFA Champions League | OneFootball

Declan Rice took matters into his own hands when Real Madrid took on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last week as he scored two world-class free-kicks to put his side 2-0 up.

Many expected a reaction from Real Madrid, but the men in white never pulled a goal back. Instead, it was Mikel Merino who fired the Gunners into a 3-0 lead and brought ecstasy to London as they took a significant lead in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Tomorrow night, Real Madrid will feel it is their turn to step up in front of their fans. The team is down, but not out and history is a testament to the fact that they always find a way out.

The 90 minutes against Arsenal tomorrow will be a test of Real Madrid’s grit, quality and mentality for they stare elimination from the Champions League in the eye. Can they do the unthinkable?

Madrid Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs Arsenal.

An early goal needed

Football has seen many a comeback over the years, and a three-goal deficit has been overcome on multiple occasions before.

One factor, however, separates a successful remontada from unsuccessful attempts and is a constant finding in any comeback win – an early goal.

The importance of an early goal for Real Madrid tomorrow can simply not be understated, and failure to secure one may well allow Arsenal to grow in confidence.

It will not be easy for the Gunners to walk into the Santiago Bernabeu and play their game, especially with Real Madrid going at it with their everything. Moreover, there will undoubtedly be a subconscious fear of the opponent given their history in the event.

Real Madrid simply have to capitalise on the opening period of fear in Mikel Arteta’s side when they will be at their most vulnerable. One goal and suddenly the deficit will only be two which could prompt a breakdown from the English side.

Should Real Madrid fail to score early, however, Arsenal will only grow in confidence with every passing minute. Scoring four goals past them will then grow increasingly difficult.

Defensive focus at 100%

A major threat. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Just as important as it is for Real Madrid to score an early goal tomorrow is the team’s focus in defence, for one slip-up could end the tie.

Real Madrid do indeed need to overturn the 3-0 deficit against Arsenal and the spotlights will shine bright on the forward four.

With Real Madrid’s dominance, however, will arrive the threat of counterattacks from the English side, especially given the pace of Bukayo Saka down the flank.

Raul Asencio and Antonio Rudiger will certainly start in central defence on the night, but whom Ancelotti places on the left to take on the pacey winger will be critical. After all, he was the player who created the most terror against them in the last game.

A remontada for Real Madrid is certainly on the cards, but not if they fail to maintain a clean sheet.

The men in white are already chasing a three-goal deficit and need four to win. One goal conceded will take that number to five which would be exponentially more difficult than the former objective.

Will the Bernabeu witness history?

The Santiago Bernabeu may well be the stadium that has seen the most comeback wins in UEFA Champions League history and Los Blancos are in a serious attempt to add one more to that list.

Most teams would be considered eliminated at 3-0 down after the first leg, and it is only Real Madrid’s aura and history that is keeping them in the conversation.

The men in white have always found a way to wriggle through even the most difficult of situations and tomorrow’s clash will be no different. There is, after all, too much on the line to give up at any point.

Elimination from the UEFA Champions League is often considered synonymous with a failed season at the Spanish capital, and it is clear that Carlo Ancelotti’s side will come out with all guns blazing.

The atmosphere is expected to be a fierce one too with reports surfacing that the roof of the stadium will be closed to amp up the noise. Fans, moreover, will flock in large numbers and fill the venue with deafening volumes.

The Santiago Bernabeu is set for a historic night and the atmosphere will be one apt for a special remontada night. How that night ends is completely in the hands of the players, and the world will hope it is one more of the team’s nail-biting thrillers.