Comebacks are dominating discussions this week in the UEFA Champions League, especially in Madrid. Real Madrid, the current champions, are preparing for a significant victory to maintain their aspirations in this season`s competition.
Just a week ago, Real Madrid suffered a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal, a surprisingly one-sided result in the first leg of the quarterfinals. Despite being known as the “comeback kings” for their resilience in recent years, Wednesday`s second leg at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will truly test this reputation and could set the stage for an extraordinary turnaround.
The term `remontada` has become closely associated with Real Madrid since their loss in London. It`s not just because it`s Spanish for `comeback.` The situation evokes memories of past dramatic Champions League encounters, and with Real Madrid`s formidable attack, featuring Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, a turnaround feels possible.
Here`s what you need to understand about `remontada` and why it`s the key word ahead of Real Madrid`s crucial match against Arsenal on Wednesday.
How to Watch Real Madrid vs. Arsenal, Odds
- Date: Wednesday, April 16
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu — Madrid, Spain
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Real Madrid -140; Draw +300; Arsenal +340
Arsenal`s Declan Rice breaks down magical free-kick goals vs. Real Madrid with Gunners legend Thierry Henry
What Does `Remontada` Mean?
`Remontada` is Spanish for `comeback` or `turnaround.` It`s often used in soccer to describe dramatic comebacks by Spanish teams.
The Original `La Remontada`: Barcelona vs. PSG
The most famous example of `La Remontada,` meaning `The Comeback` as a proper noun, is Barcelona`s incredible 6-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in March 2017. PSG had won the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie 4-0, making the second leg at Camp Nou seem like a formality. However, Barcelona, under Luis Enrique, delivered an astounding performance, winning 6-1 and overcoming a 6-5 aggregate deficit to reach the quarterfinals. Neymar was the star of the match, scoring twice in one of the most memorable Champions League comebacks ever.
Real Madrid`s Perspective on the Remontada
Real Madrid is well aware of the increased use of `remontada` and has embraced the challenge for Wednesday`s important game.
Jude Bellingham mentioned in a pre-match press conference, `Remontada… I’ve heard it countless times this week. Social media is full of videos, and the press keeps mentioning it.`
Bellingham also highlighted Real Madrid`s history of comebacks in recent seasons, especially during their Champions League title runs.
`This is the perfect occasion for Madrid. The atmosphere has been incredible lately. The first leg was a disappointing result, and now everyone anticipates a comeback. Initially, after the first game, thinking about a `remontada` was difficult as we analyzed our mistakes. But as we discussed it and saw the confidence grow, we started believing. We have past experiences with this. These feelings are contagious. Even on the bus after the first leg, the mindset began to shift.`
