Arsenal haven’t conceded a single goal against Real Madrid across their three meetings

Titleholder Real Madrid face a major hurdle in their quest for a seventh Champions League title in 12 seasons when they host Arsenal in the return leg of the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

The Gunners, winners of 13 English top-flight league titles, lead 3-0 after dismantling the reigning champions in London last week in the quarterfinal first leg.

Prevailing from a three-goal deficit to win the quarterfinal tie would be a step further than anything Los Blancos have managed so far, but with world-class offensive players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, Madrid still have a puncher’s chance of mounting a comeback against Arsenal on home soil at the Bernabeu.

Here is all to know before the blockbuster quarterfinal return leg between the winningest Champions League side (Real Madrid) and the most high-profile club in Europe to never win the trophy (Arsenal):

No. Madrid have mounted some memorable comebacks in the  Champions League but have never overturned a 3-0 first-leg deficit in the tournament.

However, Madrid fans have some cause for optimism with the following statistics – the club has progressed from 14 of their last 15 Champions League knockout ties when playing the second leg at home.

Following on from their 3-0 first leg defeat to Arsenal at Emirates Stadium, Real Madrid can only complete a famous comeback and reach the semifinals if one of the following two scenarios plays out:

Real Madrid wins the return leg by scoring three goals (3-3 on aggregate), prevents Arsenal from scoring and then clinches the match on penalties;
Real Madrid wins the return leg by at least four goals in normal or extra time (For example, a 5-1 scoreline in their favour would allow Madrid to win the two-leg series 5-4 on aggregate).

Real Madrid starting XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Rudiger, Asencio, Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe.

Arsenal starting XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.