A look at the best Real Madrid comebacks

After a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final opener, Real Madrid's chances seemed bleak. However, given their history of remarkable comebacks, it's unwise to count them out just yet. When faced with adversity, Los Blancos have consistently shown an ability to turn the tide in their favor, making them a formidable opponent until the final whistle blows.

Real Madrid's knack for snatching victory from the jaws of defeat has left fans in awe. While some attribute it to luck or supernatural forces at the Bernabéu, the truth lies in the team's sheer footballing prowess. 

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Let's revisit some of the most iconic comebacks in Real Madrid's storied history. 

10. Real Madrid 3-0 VfL Wolfsburg (2016)

In 2016, Real Madrid faced a tough challenge after losing 2-0 to VfL Wolfsburg in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. But Cristiano Ronaldo sparked a stunning comeback with a hat-trick in the second leg, scoring two goals just 90 seconds apart. Madrid won 3-0 at home, overturning the deficit and booking their spot in the semi-finals. Ronaldo's heroics cemented his reputation as a master of high-pressure moments.

9. Real Madrid 4-0 Borussia Mönchengladbach (1886)

In the 1985-1986 season, Real Madrid staged an epic comeback against Borussia Mönchengladbach. After losing 5-1 in the first leg, Madrid produced a stunning 4-0 victory at the Bernabéu. Valdano's early goals set the tone, but it was Santillana's two late goals in the 76th and 88th minutes that sealed the comeback and secured a historic European night for Los Blancos.

8. Real Madrid 3-0 Inter Milan (1985)

In the 1984-1985 UEFA Cup, Real Madrid pulled off a legendary comeback against Inter Milan. After losing 2-0 in the first leg, Madrid stormed back at the Bernabéu, winning 3-0. Juanito's pre-match warning to the Italians proved prophetic: "90 minutes in the Bernabéu is a very long time." Madrid's goals in the first half set the tone, and Michel sealed the comeback with the third goal, etching this match into Real Madrid's history books.

7. Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid (2023)

In a thrilling Champions League encounter, Real Madrid turned the tables on Liverpool in the 2023 last 16 tie. After losing two previous finals to the Reds, Madrid exacted revenge with a stunning 2-5 win at Anfield, followed by a 1-0 victory at the Bernabéu. The Spanish giants came from behind to win the first leg, scoring three goals in 30 minutes, and sealed their spot in the quarterfinals with a Karim Benzema goal in the second leg.

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6. Real Madrid 2-3 Chelsea (2022) 

In the 2022 Champions League quarterfinals, Real Madrid staged a thrilling comeback against Chelsea. Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, Madrid faced a tough task, but Chelsea's 2-0 win in the second leg (4-3 aggregate) set the stage for a dramatic turnaround. Luka Modric's inspiration and Rodrygo and Benzema's crucial goals helped Madrid overcome the deficit, winning 5-4 on aggregate in a stunning comeback at the Bernabéu.

5. Real Madrid 2-1 Bayern Munich (2024)

Down 1-0 (3-2 aggregate) with 88 minutes gone, Real Madrid seemed headed for defeat. Joselu, a late substitute, scored twice in the 88th and 91st minutes, capitalizing on a Manuel Neuer error and a tight offside call. The late drama epitomized Madrid’s knack for defying the odds.

4. Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid (2024) 

Real Madrid stunned Manchester City with a 3-2 comeback win at the Etihad Stadium. Trailing 2-1 with 10 minutes left, Madrid's resilience paid off as Brahim Díaz and Jude Bellingham scored two late goals to seal the victory. The win was notable, given Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti's pre-match comments that the winner would likely claim the title, showcasing the respect between the two teams

3. Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City (2022) 

In the 2022 Champions League semi-finals, Real Madrid pulled off a stunning comeback against Manchester City. After losing 4-3 in the first leg, Madrid trailed again when Riyad Mahrez scored in the 73rd minute of the second leg. However, Rodrygo sparked a dramatic turnaround with two goals in 90 seconds - one in the 90th minute and a header shortly after. Karim Benzema sealed the win with a penalty, sending Madrid to the final and leaving Manchester City stunned. The thrilling match showcased Real Madrid's ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

2. Real Madrid 3-1 Paris Saint-Germain 

Real Madrid staged a stunning comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in a highly anticipated matchup featuring Messi, Mbappé, and Neymar. After losing the first leg 1-0 at home, PSG took an early lead in the second leg when Mbappé scored. However, a mistake from Donnarumma allowed Benzema to equalize in the 60th minute, and the Frenchman went on to complete a hat-trick by the 78th minute, securing a 3-1 win for Real Madrid at the Bernabéu.

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1. Real Madrid 4-1 Atlético de Madrid 

Real Madrid pulled off an unforgettable comeback in the 2014 Champions League final against Atlético Madrid. Trailing 1-0 until the dying moments, Sergio Ramos's dramatic header in stoppage time forced the game into extra time. Real Madrid then dominated, with Gareth Bale, Marcelo, and Cristiano Ronaldo scoring to seal a 4-1 win and claim their 10th Champions League title, ending a 12-year wait. Ramos dedicated the comeback to the fans, saying the goal was "for all Madrid's people."

All eyes on Arsenal

The focus shifts to the second leg clash with Arsenal at the Bernabéu. Trailing 3-0, Real Madrid face a steep challenge, having overcome such a deficit before. Can Arsenal secure a monumental victory, or will Real Madrid stage another legendary comeback?