Real Madrid looking to defy the odds against an impenetrable wall

The thousands of madridistas who these days are calling for a comeback against Arsenal know that the impossible does not exist at the Santiago Bernabeu, and even less so on big European nights. The scenario has been repeated many times, especially in the modern era, particularly in the Champions League. This time, the challenge is against a wall (literally) never seen before: Arsenal has been Real Madrid's bogey side since the first time they faced each other. They have played three matches and 'Los Blancos' have never scored a goal.

It is already rare that a team is able to keep a clean sheet against Real Madrid. Obviously, the more games played, the more complicated it becomes for the goalkeepers. However, to date, only 4 teams can boast of having faced Real Madrid without conceding. They are Lille, Vasconia SC, Ipswich and Arsenal.

However, the French and the Guipuzcoans have only faced the 'Merengues' once. Very recent is the case of Lille, who claimed a narrow win in the League Phase (1-0) 6 months ago. 115 years old is the only precedent of the extinct Vasconia SC, who won 2-0 in the 1910 format of the Copa del Rey. 

Ipswich Town can at least claim to have held Real Madrid in two matches, those of the 73-74 UEFA Cup 1/32 finals. They won 1-0 at home, with no goals in the second leg.

But Arsenal's case is the most meritorious because the Gunners have already stopped 'Los Blancos' on three occasions. Last week, at the Emirates, and in that round of 16 tie of the Champions League 05-06, when a goal by Henry settled the first leg at the Bernabeu and there were no more goals in the second leg. 

Symbolically, both Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio can count scoring against Arsenal in a Real Madrid shirt. But it was in a friendly in 2019, in the International Champions Cup that ended with a draw (2-2).

So the comeback challenge facing Real Madrid takes on a new dimension. The defence of the goal gives David Raya the possibility of joining his name to Jens Lehmann's as the unbeaten Gunner goalkeeper against one of the most complicated attacks on earth.