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Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos has emphasized the importance of a strong start as his team faces Arsenal in a decisive UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday. Trailing 3-0 from the first leg, the Spanish giants need an extraordinary performance to keep their title defense alive.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Speaking ahead of the high-stakes encounter, Ceballos underlined the significance of the game’s opening moments. “The first 15-20 minutes will be very important on Wednesday,” he stated. “We need to believe, our fans too, we need to believe together and let’s see.” The midfielder, recently recovered from injury, is likely to play a key role in midfield as Real Madrid seeks to overturn the deficit from the first leg in London. The team will miss Eduardo Camavinga due to suspension, placing even more responsibility on Ceballos and the other midfielders.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Alavés in La Liga on Saturday provided some much-needed momentum. Despite being reduced to 10 men after Kylian Mbappé’s red card, Carlo Ancelotti’s side demonstrated grit and determination. However, the European challenge is much greater. Arsenal, currently in stellar form, dominated the first leg, putting Real Madrid in a precarious position. Madrid sits four points behind Barcelona in La Liga, making the Champions League their best chance to secure significant silverware this season.
WHAT’S NEXT?
For Real Madrid, the recipe is clear: they must win by at least three goals to force extra time, or by four to secure victory outright. The atmosphere at the Bernabéu will be crucial, and Ceballos has urged fans to create an “incredible atmosphere” to fuel the team in their fight against one of Europe’s strongest sides. As Arsenal arrives with a considerable lead, the Madrid players and supporters alike will need to deliver an extraordinary performance to achieve what would be a historic comeback.
