Can Arsenal hold firm? Real Madrid’s home goal threat poses big Bernabeu test

Arsenal fans experienced a night to remember at the Emirates Stadium, as the Gunners stunned Real Madrid with a commanding 3-0 win in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash.

Few expected such a dominant display from Mikel Arteta’s side against the 15-time European champions, but stunning free-kicks from Declan Rice and a clinical strike by Mikel Merino gave Arsenal a remarkable advantage heading into the second leg.

Now, the challenge is to finish the job—and that won’t be easy at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Why Arsenal can’t afford to relax in Madrid
To progress to the semi-finals, Arsenal must avoid a total collapse in Spain. Real Madrid will need to score four unanswered goals to knock them out—and while that sounds like a big ask, it’s not out of the question.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men have shown they can be devastating in front of goal at home. So far this season, Real Madrid have netted four or more goals in eight matches at the Bernabeu:

That record speaks volumes. In total, Los Blancos have scored 67 goals across 26 home fixtures this season—a potent reminder of the danger they pose, especially when backed by their home crowd. That said, none of those results came against a side quite like Arsenal, who are one of Europe’s most defensively disciplined teams this season.

Arsenal’s rock-solid defensive record provides hope
If there’s one reason for Arsenal fans to feel confident heading into the second leg, it’s their defensive consistency. Across all competitions this season, the Gunners have not conceded four goals in a single match.

Their heaviest defeats to date have been 2-0 losses—once to Bournemouth in the Premier League and twice to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. That level of defensive discipline could be the key to weathering the storm in Madrid.

Real Madrid certainly have the firepower—with players like Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Kylian Mbappe all capable of moments of magic—but overcoming a three-goal deficit against this Arsenal side would be one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent Champions League history.

Arteta will know his side can’t afford to take a cautious approach. A composed and focused performance will be essential if Arsenal are to finish the job and book their place in the semi-finals.