According to “Varzesh3,” Real Madrid, a team known for its legends at the Santiago Bernabéu, has repeatedly created miracles in critical moments.

Marca today reviewed the historic comebacks of this team in European competitions, where “fear of the stadium,” as Jorge Valdano put it, has brought opponents to their knees at the Bernabéu.

Now, as Real Madrid faces Arsenal in the second leg after a 3-0 away defeat, their historic comebacks have become the headline of Marca.

Real Madrid’s First Major Comeback at Bernabéu

The first historic comeback was against Derby County of England on November 5, 1975. Real had lost 4-1 in the first leg of the European Cup round of 16 in England. With just seven minutes left in extra time, Real was on the verge of elimination, but Santillana’s goal in the ninth minute of extra time made it 5-1 on aggregate, and Real advanced.

Before this match, Real had a good run in La Liga with five wins and three draws, bringing strong morale to the Bernabéu. Coach Miljanic was hopeful about the stadium’s atmosphere and said, “The task is tough, but the atmosphere makes everything possible.” Captain Amancio hoped for fair refereeing, and Marca called this comeback “almost impossible,” but Real proved that nothing is impossible.

Comeback Against Celtic in 1980

On March 9, 1980, Real Madrid faced Celtic in the quarter-finals of the European Cup after a 2-0 defeat in Glasgow. The team, which had won La Liga and the Copa del Rey that season, had five wins and a draw in La Liga before the second leg. Despite a draw in La Liga before the return match, Real confidently faced Celtic. Juanito, Santillana, and Cunningham, Real’s three forwards, spoke to Marca about the team’s determination to advance. Marca headlined “Towards the Comeback!” and called on fans to support. Real won 3-0, showing that even after a defeat, they can dominate at home.

Comeback Against Anderlecht in 1984

On December 12, 1984, Real faced Anderlecht in the second round of the UEFA Cup. A 3-0 defeat in Brussels was a huge challenge for a team struggling in La Liga with six losses early in the season. However, a 1-0 win against Atlético Madrid before the second leg boosted morale.

Marca headlined “Towards the Comeback!” and Real players showed strong faith. Miguel Ángel said, “Tougher things have been achieved,” Stielike added, “If I didn’t believe, I wouldn’t even wear the shirt,” Gallego called for fighting spirit, and Valdano emphasized, “We must take smart risks.” Real crushed Anderlecht 6-1, turning the Bernabéu into a madhouse.

How Was the Comeback Against Inter in 1985?

On April 24, 1985, Real faced Inter in the UEFA Cup semi-finals. The team was in its worst possible condition: five consecutive losses, including a 2-0 defeat at San Siro, the dismissal of coach Amancio, the arrival of Molowny, locker room conflicts, and electoral battles at the club. Three days before the match, Hércules defeated Real 1-0 at the Bernabéu. However, Real won 3-0 with two goals from Santillana and one from Míchel, advancing to the final.

Marca headlined: “Defeat of Zenga, Real’s Dream.” Stielike said, “No one believes in us except ourselves,” Camacho mocked, “I’m more worried about ourselves than Inter,” and Chendo firmly stated, “We will advance, I’m sure.” Real won the UEFA Cup and the Copa de la Liga that season, though La Liga was a disaster.

Unbelievable Comeback Against Mönchengladbach in 1985

On December 11, 1985, Real suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat against Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany in the UEFA Cup third round. The team, at its peak with the “Quinta del Buitre,” had a glorious comeback at the Bernabéu. A 4-0 win against Celta before the match was a sign of the team’s readiness. Molowny said, “I wish the Bernabéu becomes hell for them.” Santillana, Juanito, Butragueño, and Valdano all believed in the miracle. Marca warned that the task was tough, but Real crushed Mönchengladbach 4-0 and advanced.

Another Comeback Against Inter in 1986

On April 16, 1986, Real faced Inter in the UEFA Cup semi-finals after a 3-1 home defeat. Juanito said after the first leg: “90 minutes at the Bernabéu is too long!” And he was right.

The match went into extra time, and Santillana’s two goals sent Real to the final. Marca wrote about the “New Miracle,” and Butragueño predicted: “One goal will be scored by the fans, one by Santillana.” Real had beaten Sporting 2-1 before this match and faced Inter with high morale.

Real Madrid’s Last Major Comeback

On April 12, 2016, Real returned to the Bernabéu after a 2-0 defeat against Wolfsburg in the Champions League round of 16. The team, recovering from the Benítez crisis under Zidane, won 3-0 with a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick and advanced to eventually win their 11th European title. Marca headlined: “Cool Head, Warm Heart.” Cristiano had said, “We need a great night.” A 4-0 win against Eibar before the match had prepared the team.

And now it’s Arsenal’s turn. Real, after a heavy defeat in London against Arsenal, arrives at the Bernabéu with doubts about their recent form and a season full of ups and downs. But history has shown that this team can surprise even in the worst conditions.

This Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Real seeks to add another page to its legend of comebacks.