Arsenal are now preparing for the talking to stop and the action to get underway as they look to defend a three goal lead in the Bernabeu.
Mikel Arteta has named an unchanged side from the one that was victorious at the Emirates Stadium over Madrid with Thomas Partey fit to start in midfield and Mikel Merino leading the line again.
Carlo Ancelotti has questioned Arsenal’s experience in the build up to the match whilst Real Madrid legend Marcelo has warned Arsenal to expect a night like no other as the home crowd ramp up the pressure.
Jakub Kiwior was labelled a ‘monster’ by team mates for his performance in the first leg and pundit Rio Ferdinand believes that game could change the Polish international’s career.
Rio Ferdinand verdict on Jakub Kiwior performance v Real Madrid
Kiwior replaced the injured Gabriel Magalhaes in the Arsenal side for the first leg in North London and Ferdinand believed that his performance could be a ‘catalyst’ for his future career.
Speaking on TNT Sports pre match coverage of Real Madrid v Arsenal, Ferdinand stated: “As a centre-back you need that, you need a moment in your career, doesn’t matter who you are, where you go actually I’ve settled down there, I felt comfortable in that moment.
“Whenever I’ve watched him so far, I think it was Bayern Munich last season where he didn’t look comfortable, didn’t look part of it. You need that moment and that could be a catalyst I think for him to start performing with some confidence and putting out some really solid performances.”
Martin Keown also delivered his verdict on the Polish defender and believes that Kiwior’s presence in the side means that William Saliba has started to show more leadership.
Keown explained: “Well I think actually Saliba is very much the leader and Gabriel was that in the other partnership. He [Kiwior] plays on the left, that left-foot is really important for him.
“He started the game actually, the first leg, very slowly. I watched the warm up with my son and he looked a little bit nervy and he got those two or three moments out of the way and then he started to flourish,
“He started to feel the confidence and the warmth of the crowd . There’s a lot of pressure on his shoulders tonight as there was in this game.”
Jakub Kiwior could leave Arsenal in the summer
Arteta and those inside the club are big fans of the Polish defender but Kiwior could leave Arsenal this summer if a suitable offer is made.
Juventus made a move which was blocked by Arteta in January but it is thought that stance would change in the summer as the Gunners revamp their squad under Andrea Berta.
| Jakub Kiwior’s Arsenal career | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Kiwior | 59 | 2 | 5 |
For now, Kiwior is an integral part of the team and will play an important role in trying to once again keep Real Madrid’s potent attack at bay in order to progress.
If he can help lead Arsenal to their first Champions League semi final in 16 years, confidence will be sky high and we may see yet more improvements in the 25-year-old.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
