Palpable tension has gripped soccer fans across the world as defending champions, Real Madrid host Arsenal in the second leg of their quarter-final encounter in the UEFA Champions League.
Both sides are under intense pressure to perform tonight. Despite coming to Spain with a 3-0 advantage, Arsenal are under pressure not to allow Real Madrid wipe away their three goals and eventually win the tie.
Real Madrid on their part are under intense pressure to bounce back after that disappoint outing at the Emirate Stadium last week. “La Remontada”, the Spanish word for a comeback, is the word on the lips of Real Madrid fans as they expect their team to up-turn their 3-0 deficit tonight and eventually defeat Arsenal. This comeback dream is hinged on the 15-time champions’ past performance which have seen them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Nevertheless, this match is different. Arsenal were excellent last week and could have won with more than three goals if not for the heroics of Real Madrid goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. If Arsenal approach the game as they did at home Real Madrid are in for a very long and difficult night at the Bernabeu.
Besides individual and team performance, when the goals come and who will score first will go a long way to determine what the outcome of the match will be.
If the Gunners score first, it will heighten their believe while Real Madrid will be under more pressure to cancel a four goals deficit. This situation will make the defending champions vulnerable.
On the other hand if Real Madrid score first and in the early stages of the match, it will make the host believe that La Remontada is possible and they will throw all they have got at Arsenal, who might collapse under intense pressure.
In the other semi-final tonight, Inter Milan will take on Bayern Munich at the San Siro. The first leg played at the Alliaz Arena, venue for this season’s final, ended 2-1 in favour of the Italians.
Whatever the outcome of both matches, Barcelona are already waiting for the winner between Real Madrid and Arsenal after they eliminated Borussia Dortmund 5-3 on aggregate while PSG are set to take on the winners between Inter Milan and Bayern Munich after eliminating Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate.
