Shaken Real insists comeback is possible

LONDON — For a while it seemed like the same old story, Real Madrid soaking up the pressure, while its attacking superstars waited impatiently to punish Arsenal on the counter.

But, then, Declan Rice scored from two brilliant freekicks and Mikel Merino added a third goal, leaving the holder on the verge of Champions League elimination, as Arsenal secured a 3-0 quarterfinal first-leg triumph under the north London lights on Tuesday.

Instead, Los Blancos are forced to fall back on another of their favorite tales, that of the impossible comeback made reality at the Santiago Bernabeu, and the party line was immediately clear.