Real Madrid faces a challenging Champions League quarterfinal second leg on 15/4 at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena. To overturn their 1-2 first-leg deficit, Real needs to secure a victory by at least one goal. This presents a formidable task, especially considering Bayern's recent form, which includes five consecutive wins across all competitions and 18 goals scored. The German side also benefits from playing at home.

Arbeloa, however, remains confident, dismissing notions that his team requires extraordinary luck. "Only those who don't understand Real would believe we need a miracle to win the return leg," he stated. "We don't need any magic. Had Bayern's goalkeeper not been exceptional, we would have won the first leg." This refers to Manuel Neuer's man-of-the-match performance in the first leg, where he thwarted six clear Real opportunities after they fell 2-0 down within 46 minutes before Kylian Mbappe scored one goal.

Arbeloa during the Champions League quarterfinals first leg, when Real lost to Bayern at the Bernabeu in Madrid on 7/4. Photo: AFP

The head-to-head record between the two clubs is balanced, with Real securing 12 victories, four draws, and 13 losses in 29 encounters. Notably, Real's recent away record at the Allianz Arena provides a significant morale boost: three wins and one draw in their last four visits, each time preceding a Champions League title in the 2013-2014, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2023-2024 seasons. Arbeloa emphasized this legacy, stating, "This is just another challenge, another test. We are ready to fight to make the club's history even greater," referencing Real's 15 European Cup/Champions League titles.

Real Madrid faces several squad challenges. Defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended, with Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, or young talent Thiago Pitarch vying for his spot. Forwards Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe are also uncertain due to injury, as Mbappe required three stitches on his forehead. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is also out. Additionally, four Real players—Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius, and Eder Militao—are at risk of suspension if they receive another yellow card before the semifinals. In contrast, Bayern boasts a stable squad, with only four players: Neuer, Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano, and Konrad Laimer, facing similar yellow card risks.

By Thanh Quy (Source: Marca)