Comebacks are a major talking point this week in the UEFA Champions League, especially for Real Madrid. The reigning champions are aiming for a decisive victory to keep their Champions League hopes alive this season.
Just a week ago, Real Madrid suffered a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal, a significant setback in the quarterfinals` first leg. Despite being known for their comeback ability in recent years, this second leg at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will truly test their reputation and could be the stage for an incredible turnaround.
Since their loss in London, the word `remontada,` Spanish for `comeback,` has become strongly associated with Real Madrid. This situation evokes memories of past dramatic Champions League ties, and with Real Madrid`s formidable attack, featuring players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, a comeback seems possible.
Here`s what you need to understand about `remontada` and why it`s the central theme leading up to Real Madrid`s game against Arsenal.
How to watch Real Madrid vs. Arsenal, odds
- Date: Wednesday, April 16
- Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu — Madrid, Spain
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Real Madrid -140; Draw +300; Arsenal +340
What does `remontada` mean?
`Remontada` is the Spanish word for `comeback` or `turnaround.` It`s often used in soccer to describe significant comebacks by Spanish teams, particularly when they are dramatic.
What was `La Remontada?`
The most famous example of `La Remontada,` meaning `The Comeback` as a proper noun, is Barcelona`s 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 Barcelona`s Camp Nou seem like a formality. However, Barcelona, under Luis Enrique, delivered an outstanding performance, winning 6-1 and defeating PSG 6-5 on aggregate to reach the quarterfinals. Neymar was the star of the match, scoring twice in one of the most memorable Champions League comebacks ever.
What Real Madrid are saying
Real Madrid is well aware of the increased use of the word `remontada` and has embraced the challenge ahead of Wednesday`s crucial match.
`Remontada… honestly, I’ve heard it countless times this week,` Jude Bellingham mentioned at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday. `I’ve seen many videos on social media, and I’ve also heard it from you in the press.`
Bellingham also spoke about Real Madrid`s history of comebacks in recent seasons, especially during their successful Champions League campaigns.
`This is the perfect occasion for Madrid. The atmosphere has been incredible in recent days. [The first leg] was a very disappointing result, and now everyone anticipates a comeback. Thinking about a `remontada` immediately after the first game is difficult as you are focused on analyzing what went wrong. But as you discuss it and sense the confidence, you start to believe. We have experienced this before. These feelings are infectious. It started almost immediately, even on the bus after the game, although we weren`t as optimistic as we are now.`
