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Real Madrid Clings to a Comeback Not Seen at the Santiago Bernabéu since 1986
The last time Real Madrid overcame a deficit of more than three goals in Europe was against Borussia Mönchengladbach in the UEFA Cup 39 years ago
If Real Madrid is the most successful team in the history of the Champions League, boasting up to 15 trophies in its cabinet, it’s because, on many occasions, it has had to rely on the spirit of comebacks that always fills the Santiago Bernabéu. However, you have to go back to 1986 to remember the last time Real Madrid turned around a European tie after losing the first leg by more than three goals.
39 years since the biggest comeback in Real Madrid history
In fact, that comeback didn’t even take place in the Champions League. It was in the UEFA Cup in 1986, now known as the Europa League, against Borussia Mönchengladbach. After being thrashed in Germany (5-1) in the first leg, Real Madrid pulled off one of the greatest feats ever remembered in Europe. Valdano struck fear into the German team with two goals in 20 minutes… and Santillana completed the comeback with two more goals, securing victory for Real Madrid on away goals in the final minute.
Since then, the Santiago Bernabéu has witnessed great comebacks in the Champions League, especially during the last decade. But this one against Borussia Mönchengladbach remains etched in the minds of all Real Madrid fans. The image of Juanito leaving the field, jumping for joy, perfectly captured the incredible feat achieved by a Real Madrid that would later go on to lift its second UEFA Cup.
When was the last time Real Madrid lost the first leg in the Champions League?
Comebacks in Europe are nothing new for Real Madrid… although it is a situation they are less accustomed to in recent seasons. In fact, the last time they faced a deficit in the second leg of a Champions League tie was in the semifinals against Manchester in the 2021/22 season.
That time, Real Madrid turned around a 4-3 deficit from the first leg at Etihad Stadium, thanks to two goals from Rodrygo in the final minutes, which sent the Santiago Bernabéu into raptures. We’ll see if, against Arsenal this time, Real Madrid provides enough reasons to achieve the greatest comeback seen at the Santiago Bernabéu since 1986.
