Arsenal met Theo Walcott’s request against Real Madrid, now they can dream of Champions League semi-final

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are preparing for their second leg clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League, with some tangible hope of making the semi-finals.

The Gunners went into the tie as underdogs at the Emirates Stadium, requiring a little bit of magic to swing it in their favour.

They got that and then some as Declan Rice’s free-kick brace went down as a moment to remember, before Mikel Merino added a third as the icing on the cake.

While Arsenal won 3-0 against Real Madrid, the tie is far from over as the next leg is at the Bernabeu.

However, with such an advantage, the side has met a requirement set out by Theo Walcott, who made an early claim about Arsenal before the first leg.

• READ MORE: £67m Arsenal striker target scores a stunner and then copies Thierry Henry’s iconic celebration

Theo Walcott wanted Arsenal to score two goals for Real Madrid second leg

Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid caused plenty of fans to gain some hope ahead of what will be a tough second leg.

The Gunners will need to avoid any mistakes to deny a chance for Los Blancos to get back into the game at all.

However, with a three-goal advantage, the cards remain firmly in their hands, and they managed to meet a request of Theo Walcott at the same time.

The Arsenal icon said on Live from N5 before the first leg: “This game, I feel Arsenal need two goals heading to the Bernabeu.

“I genuinely do because they [Real Madrid] will score, as much as Arsenal’s defence is as solid as it is, you need two goals going to the Bernabeu to have a chance.”

Arsenal managed to do one better, grabbing that third goal late on to give the side an even stronger chance of making the semi-final.

• READ MORE: David Ornstein reveals what former Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham did before accepting the Tottenham job

Arsenal in driving seat for Champions League semi-final

After taking a three-goal lead, Arsenal are now firm favourites to book themselves a place in the final four of the Champions League.

According to OPTA, the Gunners now have a 95.7% chance of reaching the semi-finals, showing just how strongly placed they are.

Only Barcelona (99.5%) have a stronger chance, while PSG (91.5%) and Inter Milan (82.7%) are the other favourites to reach the next stage.

Anything can happen in these big knockout games though, with Arsenal well aware of the threat and history of Real Madrid in the competition.