3 Times Real Madrid Ever Overturned a 3-0 Deficit in the Champions League
- Real Madrid suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal, with Declan Rice netting a brilliant brace and Mikel Merino adding a third
- While turning around such a scoreline is no easy feat, the Spanish giants are no strangers to rewriting history on important European nights
- YEN.com.gh has revisited three iconic moments when Los Blancos overcame a 3-0 deficit to keep their UEFA Champions League hopes kicking
If there’s one thing Real Madrid has mastered in football, it’s the art of the comeback.
No matter how bleak the scoreline looks, the kings of European football have an unmatched ability to rise from the dead and produce miracles when it matters most.
From dramatic late winners to impressive second-leg turnarounds, Real Madrid have made a habit of pulling off the improbable on the grandest stage.
Source: Getty Images
Some of their most iconic Champions League moments include Sergio Ramos’ stoppage-time equaliser that paved the way for La Decima against Atletico Madrid in 2014, Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Wolfsburg in 2016, and the legendary 2021/22 run where they upset Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Manchester City in successive rounds.
Just last season, Joselu’s late brace sent Bayern Munich packing in another unforgettable night at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, per UEFA.
Madrid never seems to thrive unless their backs are against the wall - and right now, that wall is Arsenal.
UCL: Never say never for Real Madrid
Real Madrid currently trails Mikel Arteta’s side 3-0 after the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium, per Sky Sports.
It’s a daunting margin, and most teams would consider the tie done and dusted. But this is Real Madrid - a club built on defying expectations.
Source: Getty Images
Though comebacks of this magnitude are uncommon, the perennial European champions have a rich history of defying the odds.
YEN.com.gh looked back at three remarkable occasions when Los Blancos overturned a 3-0 deficit to keep their European dreams alive.
3 times Real Madrid overturned three-goal deficits
Real Madrid 5-1 Derby County (1975/76 European Cup)
In one of their earliest legendary comebacks, Real Madrid overturned a heavy 4-1 first-leg defeat to Derby County in the 1975/76 European Cup.
Facing elimination, Los Blancos responded emphatically at the Santiago Bernabéu, defeating the English side 5-1 in an all-time great second leg.
Inspired by a raucous home crowd, Real Madrid’s attacking display overwhelmed Derby, sealing a dramatic 6-5 aggregate win and their advance.
The victory not only showcased their resilience but also set the tone for the club’s long-standing reputation as comeback kings in European football.
Real Madrid 6-1 Anderlecht (1984/85 UEFA Cup)
In the 1984/85 UEFA Cup, Real Madrid pulled off a sensational comeback against Belgian giants Anderlecht. After suffering a 3-0 defeat in the first leg, few believed Los Blancos could recover.
However, back at the Santiago Bernabéu, the Spanish giants produced an electrifying performance, thrashing Anderlecht 6-1 in the return leg. The Spanish side’s relentless attack saw them advance 6-4 on aggregate.
It was a statement of intent in Europe and a defining moment that reinforced Real Madrid’s growing legacy for dramatic comebacks on the continental stage, setting the tone for future triumphs.
Real Madrid 4-0 Borussia Mönchengladbach (1985 UEFA Cup)
In the 1985 UEFA Cup, Real Madrid delivered one of the most astonishing comebacks in European football history. After a crushing 5-1 defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach in the first leg, their chances looked all but gone.
However, back at the Santiago Bernabéu, Los Blancos produced a masterclass in determination and attacking football, beating the German side 4-0. The tie ended 5-5 on aggregate, but Real advanced on away goals, sparking wild celebrations.
It was a testament to their never-say-die spirit and further cemented their reputation as comeback kings on the European stage, capable of rewriting any script under pressure.
Bernabéu roof to create electrifying atmosphere
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that UEFA had granted Real Madrid permission to close the retractable roof at the Santiago Bernabéu for their Champions League quarter-final second leg vs. Arsenal.
The Spanish giants made the special request to seemingly maximise the home advantage, knowing they needed to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium on April 16.
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Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Isaac Darko (Sports Editor) Isaac Darko is a Sports Editor at Yen, boasting over 10 years of experience in the media industry. He has produced award-winning TV shows such as "Football 360" and "Sports XTRA" on ViaSat 1/Kwese TV. Isaac began his career as an Assistant Producer at TV3 Ghana Limited (Media General) and also contributed as a Writer and Weekend Editor for Pulse Ghana. He earned his bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism (now University of Media, Arts and Communication). Email: isaac.darko@sportsbrief.com.
Samuel Gitonga (Copy editor) Samuel Gitonga is a Copy Editor at YEN.com.gh. He holds a Bachelor of Broadcast Journalism Degree from the Multimedia University of Kenya. He has over 7 years’ experience in the digital journalism industry. He started out his career at the Kenya News Agency and proceeded to work for several reputable media outlets in Nairobi.
