Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe is expected to lead the charge as the Spanish giants look to overturn a 3-0 deficit against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday.
The French forward joined Madrid to win the Champions League and now faces the kind of big night he dreamed of at the Santiago Bernabeu. Arsenal stunned the 15-time champions in London last week, with goals from Declan Rice and Mikel Merino giving the Gunners a comfortable lead.
Real Madrid are now chasing a dramatic comeback, something the club is known for in the competition. Mbappe, speaking after the match at the Emirates, said: “Of course we can,” when asked if Madrid could still qualify.
Despite the odds, Madrid believe Mbappe’s pace and eye for goal can turn things around. Earlier this season, he scored a hat-trick against Manchester City in the play-off round, helping Madrid advance 6-3 on aggregate.
The 25-year-old will be fresh for Wednesday’s clash after being sent off in La Liga against Alaves on Sunday. Madrid still managed to win 1-0, and Mbappe only played 38 minutes before his red card.
So far this season, Mbappe has scored 33 goals in 49 matches — equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-season record at the club. He is keen to live up to expectations and make his mark in a crucial moment.
Mbappe is still chasing his first Champions League title, having fallen short at Paris Saint-Germain. In 2022, he experienced the pain of a Real Madrid comeback firsthand when Karim Benzema scored a quick-fire hat-trick to knock PSG out, despite Mbappe scoring twice in the tie.
“These are the kinds of moments I’ve always dreamed of,” Mbappe said about playing for Madrid. “Everyone told me about the Bernabeu on big nights — now I’ve seen it myself, and I want more.”
