Real Madrid took the time to remind Arsenal — and the world — of its epic UEFA Champions League comebacks, sending a cryptic message to the English side that “you should never count out” Europe’s most decorated club.

They did it by releasing a series of videos titled "Noches Mágicas" ("Magical Nights"), with two episodes highlighting Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema as the ultimate heroes.

The Comeback vs. Wolfsburg

During the 2015–2016 season, Real Madrid lost the first leg in Germany 2–0, and it was Cristiano Ronaldo who stepped up in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, scoring a hat-trick to send the team through to the Champions League semifinals.

In a scenario eerily similar to the one they face now, Zinedine Zidane’s side went on to defeat Manchester City in the semifinals and ultimately win the title against Atlético Madrid.

A Magical Night vs. Paris Saint-Germain

In the 2021–2022 campaign, Madrid fell to PSG in the first leg of the round of 16, with Kylian Mbappé scoring at the Parc des Princes. Lionel Messi had the chance to make it 2–0, but was denied by Thibaut Courtois.

Back at the Bernabéu, Karim Benzema’s stunning hat-trick flipped the script and sent Real Madrid into the next round. They would go on to win the tournament once again, defeating Liverpool 1–0 in the final.

What Does Real Madrid Need to Reach the Champions League Semifinals?

The Spanish giants must score at least three goals just to level the aggregate. If Arsenal fails to find the net, a 4-0 win would send Real Madrid through. However, if the Gunners manage to score even once, the scenario becomes significantly tougher for the hosts.

Any loss, draw, or victory by fewer than three goals would see Real Madrid eliminated from the competition.

With the away goals rule no longer in effect, an aggregate tie after 180 minutes will result in extra time, and possibly penalties.

Who Would Real Madrid Face in the Semifinals?

Should they pull off the comeback, Real Madrid would most likely face Paris Saint-Germain, who secured a commanding 3-1 away win in the first leg of their quarterfinal clash. Luis Enrique’s side still needs to finish the job in the return leg against Aston Villa to book a semifinal date.

Against the Odds

Overturning a three-goal first-leg deficit on the road has only been done 5.88% of the time. Out of 238 instances where a home team won the first leg by three or more goals, the comeback happened only 14 times, according to BeSoccer Pro data shared with EFE.