Marcelo fires warning shot at Arsenal ahead of Champions League second leg with Real Madrid

Marcelo says Real Madrid ‘always come back’ and will be ‘confident’ of completing a stunning three-goal turnaround against Arsenal.

Madrid were blown away by an inspired Arsenal in last week’s absorbing Champions League quarter-final first leg, with Declan Rice scoring two sublime free-kicks before Mikel Merino increased the deficit.

It gives the reigning European champions a mountain to climb at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night, but Carlo Ancelotti’s men have proven time and time again in years gone by that they never should never be written off.

Arsenal have failed to reach the last four of Europe’s premier competition since as far back as 2009, when Manchester United beat Arsene Wenger’s side to a place in the final.

And despite Madrid’s proven pedigree on the grandest stage, the Gunners are the overwhelming favourites to progress given the imperious advantage they take with them to the Spanish capital.

The visitors have also been boosted by the news that both Thomas Partey and Ben White have shaken off injury concerns and could be in line to feature against the La Liga giants.

But Arteta has repeatedly stressed that it is ‘only half-time’ and Marcelo, a five-time Champions League winner with Madrid, is refusing to rule out Los Blancos’ chances based on the club’s recent history in the competition.

‘You can never write off Real Madrid,’ the former Madrid and Brazil full-back told ESPN.

‘Three goals is a lot of goals, but I am always thinking about Real Madrid and have a lot of faith that they’ll come back.

‘Real Madrid is Real Madrid and they always come back.’

Marcelo believes Madrid’s home support will be a key factor if they are to do the seemingly impossible against Arsenal.

‘The return leg is at the Bernabeu, the fans will push hard and the players are confident it can happen,’ he added.

‘Of course, we don’t know what will happen, we have faith and Real Madrid will come back.’

According to Marcelo, it is drilled into every Madrid player that they should ‘never give up’ when they arrive through the doors at the Bernabeu.

‘I think that from the moment we joined Real Madrid, we’re taught to never give up, and that’s always been in our blood,’ he continued.

‘It’s been like this for many years, and apart from the DNA, it’s hard work, humility, daily dedication, and the support of the fans as well. It’s all part of making things work.’

Facing the media this afternoon, Jude Bellingham shed some light on the mood in the Madrid camp heading into what promises to be an intriguing second leg.

Asked which word had been used the most inside the Madrid dressing room, the England midfielder replied: ‘Remontada [Spanish for ‘comeback’].

‘I must have heard it like a million times this past week. I’ve seen a million videos – it’s really motivating stuff.’

Bellingham added: ‘This is a night tailor-made for Real Madrid.

‘A night that would go down in history but also something that people are familiar with around this part of this world. Hopefully we can add another special night.’

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