Real Madrid Needs a Miracle to Beat Arsenal in UCL Quarter-Final - Ferdinad

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has predicted that Real Madrid will struggle to overcome Arsenal in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. The Gunners stunned Los Blancos with a commanding 3-0 victory at the Emirates, leaving Carlo Ancelotti’s side with a steep hill to climb at the Bernabeu.

Ferdinand, who was speaking on his YouTube channel, shared his belief that Real Madrid would need at least five goals to win the tie, while four goals would only be enough to force a penalty shootout. The 3-0 deficit from the first leg makes it difficult for Madrid, especially considering their recent defensive issues, as Ferdinand pointed out that the Spanish giants have struggled to keep clean sheets this season.

"Real Madrid have to score five goals to win this game," said Ferdinand, adding that he doesn’t believe the Spanish side can make up the deficit given their defensive weaknesses. Despite his pessimism, he acknowledged that Real Madrid are renowned for their dramatic comebacks in European competition, citing their memorable 5-4 comeback against Chelsea in the 2021-22 quarter-finals and a 4-3 comeback against Bayern Munich in last season's semi-finals.

Ferdinand’s comments came after the first leg, where Declan Rice’s brilliant free-kick, along with a second-half goal from Mikel Merino, ensured Arsenal’s emphatic 3-0 lead. With the return leg at the Bernabeu looming, all eyes are on whether Real Madrid can pull off another miracle or if Arsenal will secure their place in the semi-finals.