Real Madrid are on the brink of elimination from the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League following a crushing 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of the quarterfinals. Despite the daunting deficit, one club legend has issued a powerful message to the Gunners ahead of Wednesday’s decisive second leg.
Los Blancos are enduring one of their most challenging stretches of the season, struggling in La Liga and now facing near-elimination from Europe’s top tournament. However, former left-back Marcelo Vieira remains confident in a comeback. Speaking to ESPN, the Real Madrid icon expressed his unwavering belief in the club:
“You can never write off Real Madrid. Although 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,” the Brazilian stated on Monday.
Marcelo also emphasized the importance of playing the return leg at home. “The return leg is at the Bernabeu, the fans will push hard and the players are confident it can happen,” he said. “Of course, we don’t know what will happen, we have faith and Real Madrid will come back,” Marcelo added.
A product of the club and one of its most decorated players, Marcelo spent 16 seasons with Real Madrid, collecting 25 trophies, including five Champions League titles. He also spoke about the mindset instilled in every player who wears the white shirt:
“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 said. “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.”
Marcelo stars in El Clasico Español de Leyendas
On Monday, Marcelo had to be present in Mexico because Real Madrid and FC Barcelona brought their iconic rivalry to Toluca, organizing the “El Clasico Español de Leyendas” at the Nemesio Díez Stadium.
Real Madrid’s squad featured club legends like Marcelo, Iker Casillas, Guti, Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo, Julio Baptista, and Steve McManaman. Barcelona fielded a star-studded lineup of their own, including Carles Puyol, Rafael Márquez, Andrés Iniesta, Rivaldo, Ludovic Giuly, and Javier Saviola.
The match provided fans with an entertaining first half, as Luis Figo and Marcelo found the net for Real Madrid, while Puyol and Saviola responded for Barca to make it 2-2 at halftime. With no goals in the second half, the match was decided by a penalty shootout, where Barcelona prevailed 8-7.