Few phrases capture the mystique of Real Madrid quite like the words of Sergio Ramos, one of the club’s greatest captains and defenders. Ahead of the decisive 2024/25 Champions League quarterfinal second leg between Real Madrid and Arsenal, Ramos took to social media to remind the world of Madrid’s unique relationship with Europe’s biggest competition.
“Everyone knows who Real Madrid are on Champions League night. Go for it.” It was a short message, but its meaning was powerful. The context is dramatic: Arsenal lead 3-0 after the first leg thanks to two goals from Declan Rice and another from Mikel Merino. The stage is set for Madrid to attempt yet another improbable comeback at the Santiago Bernabéu on April 16 at 10:00 PM Moscow time.
Ramos isn’t just any former Madrid player voicing support — he is a living embodiment of the club’s aura in the Champions League. During his 16 years in Madrid (2005–2021), he became synonymous with big moments, especially in Europe. In 2014, he scored the legendary 93rd-minute header in Lisbon that broke Atlético Madrid’s hearts and secured “La Décima” (the club’s 10th European Cup). Between 2016 and 2018, Ramos captained the team to three consecutive Champions League titles, something not seen in modern football.
Across his career with Los Blancos, he lifted the trophy four times, solidifying himself as one of the competition’s most decisive defenders. When Ramos speaks about Madrid’s Champions League identity, it comes with authority. He knows firsthand how the team can defy odds, rally the crowd, and deliver unforgettable nights under the Bernabéu lights.Madrid’s home ground has witnessed some of the most iconic comebacks in football history. For rivals, stepping into the Bernabéu on a European night is as much a psychological battle as a tactical one. PSG 2022: Trailing 2-0 on aggregate with just half an hour to play, Madrid turned the tie around with a Karim Benzema hat-trick.
Chelsea 2022: Despite falling behind, Madrid’s resilience and experience carried them through in extra time. Manchester City 2022: Perhaps the most famous of all, when two Rodrygo goals in stoppage time flipped the semifinal on its head. These examples prove Ramos’s point: Real Madrid thrive when all seems lost. For Arsenal, even with a three-goal cushion, the second leg will demand nerves of steel. The London club will face not just 11 players, but 60,000 fans and the weight of history itself.For Arsenal, this tie represents both danger and opportunity.
A 3-0 lead is commanding, but European history is filled with collapsed advantages. Declan Rice and Mikel Merino gave the Gunners a dream result in the first leg, combining physical dominance with clinical finishing. Yet Mikel Arteta will know that nothing is secure until the final whistle in Madrid. Arsenal’s European history has been defined more by near-misses than triumphs — their lone Champions League final appearance came in 2006, ending in heartbreak against Barcelona. Eliminating Madrid at the Bernabéu would not just mark progress but also send a statement that Arsenal has finally grown into a true European powerhouse.
Though Ramos now plays for Monterrey in Mexico, his bond with Real Madrid remains unbreakable. After leaving Spain in 2021, he spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, where he won domestic trophies but missed out on Champions League glory. Moving to Monterrey allowed Ramos to continue competing while embracing a new challenge, yet his heart still beats for Los Blancos. His message to the team ahead of this clash is proof of that enduring connection. For Madrid fans, Ramos remains more than a former captain — he is a symbol of their greatest triumphs.
Ramos’s statement also highlights the mental aspect of Champions League football. Madrid’s reputation is so strong that many opponents step onto the pitch already burdened by history. The roar of the Bernabéu, the banners, the echo of past victories — all combine to create an atmosphere where Madrid believe in miracles and rivals fear collapse. For Arsenal, the challenge will be to silence the stadium, control possession, and resist Madrid’s inevitable waves of pressure. For Madrid, the task is clear: score early, ignite the crowd, and feed off the momentum that has defined their most iconic European nights.
