Holders Real Madrid take on Arsenal on Wednesday night aiming for a remontada – Spanish football jargon for a comeback – to overturn a three-goal deficit and advance to a semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
“Madrid has all the resources to do this,” said Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti on the eve of the game at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“We have the quality, the commitment, the experience, the fans and the resources are there. I don't know if we will achieve the result that we need but I'm certain that we will all give our best."
Declan Rice fired two spectacular free-kicks past Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Mikel Merino added Arsenal's third goal in a dazzling second-half barrage at the Emirates Stadium on 8 April.
Comebacks
Madrid has a recent history of remontadas in the Champions League that has given fans hope of another magical night at the Bernabeu.
Madrid won its 14th Champions League title in 2022 after grinding through the knockout rounds.
Anceolotti's side looked beaten at the Bernabeu in the last-16 against PSG but Karim Benzema scored a hat trick to push the team into the last eight.
They edged past holders Chelsea and in the semi-finals against Manchester City, two late goals from Rodrygo — in the 90th minute and in stoppage time — forced extra-time where Benzema converted a penalty to put Madrid in the final where they beat Liverpool.
“I have respect and admiration for what they’ve done in the competition as a club over the years, the history that they have, the values that they defend," said Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.
“It’s part of their history and they’ve earned the right to talk about these scenarios," he added.
"We have the best chance to be better than them. I think it is exciting. Arsenal has never won the Champions League and we are trying to do something now where we can dominate.”
Wednesday night's victors will take on PSG who advanced to the last four for the second consecutive season following a 5-4 aggregate victory over the Premier League outfit Aston Villa.
Barcelona, who progressed to the semis at the expense of Borussia Dortmund will take on the winners of Wednesday night's other second leg match featuring Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.
Inter go into the game at the San Siro nursing a 2-1 advantage from the clash in Munich on.
