Mikel Merino previewed Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.
On Wednesday night, Arsenal will learn their fate in the 2024/25 Champions League, with a three-goal lead to protect at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Arsenal won 3-0 against Real Madrid in the quarter-final first leg, but such seems to have only prompted those in Spain to envision a show-stopping comeback.
Mikel Arteta will have faith in his side, as he should, as the Gunners dream of advancing to their first semi-final in the tournament since 2009.
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Mikel Merino lifts lid on Real Madrid challenge
Just as Arsenal want to advance, the three-goal lead is making Real Madrid dream of a sensational comeback.
The Bernabeu has hosted some remarkable fixtures over the years, particularly in the Champions League, with all eyes on whether Arsenal can hold their nerve.
One player who is familiar with what can happen at the Bernabeu is Mikel Merino, who, before joining the Gunners, was a regular at the ground with Real Sociedad.
Merino scored a tremendous goal against Real Madrid in the first leg, but is wary of Madrid’s threat, admitting that he hasn’t spoken to his Arsenal teammates about the history of Los Blancos’ comebacks in the Champions League.
“A thousand things can happen on a football pitch, and that’s why we have so much respect for them,” Merino told COPE.
“I haven’t spoken to my teammates about this. They know because these things have happened in previous years, especially in the Champions League.”
The midfielder turned striker, then revealed that despite the activity of Real Madrid players on social media, the Arsenal squad remain ‘calm’ ahead of the decisive clash.
“It’s going to be a beautiful and important match; as one of the veterans, I’ll try to contribute my experience, but my teammates are pretty calm.”
Arsenal must ignore the noise from Real Madrid
Naturally, Real Madrid are believers in what their stature could bring, but contrary to belief, that doesn’t mean Arsenal need to submit to their opponents in fear.
Unlike the past horrors fans have seen from the Gunners in defence, times have changed for the better, as reflected through the numbers.
Arsenal concede 0.5 goals per game on average in the 2024/25 Champions League, as per Sofascore, and have conceded only six in 11 fixtures this term.
Real Madrid would need to overturn a three-goal deficit against Arteta’s side, something that would be nothing less than astonishing, and heartbreaking.
Merino warned to never rule Los Blancos out, but fortunately, the Arsenal squad remain calm, in what is set to be a cauldron-like atmosphere at the Bernabeu.
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