Kylian Mbappe has emerged as Real Madrid’s beacon of hope as they aim to overturn a 3-0 deficit against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025.
The French striker, who joined Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, vowed to channel the club’s storied comeback legacy after a humbling first-leg loss at the Emirates on April 8, where Arsenal’s Declan Rice scored twice from free kicks and Mikel Merino added a third. “We believe it’s possible,” Mbappe told reporters, citing the Bernabeu’s electric atmosphere, which has fueled historic reversals like the 2014 final against Atletico Madrid, won 4-1 in extra time after a 93rd-minute equalizer.
Madrid, the 15-time champions, face their toughest challenge yet, with only four teams in Champions League history overcoming a three-goal first-leg deficit, per UEFA records. Mbappe, with 33 goals in 49 games this season, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in February’s play-off round, is central to coach Carlo Ancelotti’s plan.
Despite a red card in a 1-0 La Liga win over Alaves on April 13, limiting him to 38 minutes, Mbappe is rested and cleared to play after a suspended UEFA ban from March. Arsenal, however, are braced for his threat, with goalkeeper David Raya’s five saves in the first leg proving pivotal. Ancelotti admitted defensive lapses cost them, noting Madrid’s 11 shots faced compared to Arsenal’s 12, but insisted, “At home, we can create magic.” With 81,000 fans expected, Mbappe’s flair could decide Madrid’s fate.