Arsenal picked up an emphatic 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League, and Bukayo Saka played his part.
The Englishman has had a difficult few months. He suffered a serious hamstring injury just before Christmas, and that kept him out of action for over three months.
Saka scored on his return against Fulham, and after another substitute appearance against Everton, Mikel Arteta decided to hand him a start on Tuesday night.
The Arsenal number seven, unsurprisingly, was brilliant against Real Madrid.
Spain’s media react to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s performance vs Real Madrid
Arsenal went into the game on Tuesday night as the underdogs.
Real Madrid, the reigning European champions and 15-time winners of the competition, almost always find a way to win games in the Champions League, but things were very different at the Emirates.
Arsenal absolutely battered the Galacticos and were definitely the better side. They won by three goals, but it could easily have been more.
Saka was definitely Arsenal’s best player in the first half. He caused David Alaba all sorts of problems and should’ve had a couple of assists.
He didn’t score or assist on Tuesday night, but his performance during his time on the pitch has still managed to impress media outlets in Spain.
La Galerna wrote: “Saka continually outplayed Alaba.”
Marca said: “Saka was enjoying a free ride on his (Alaba) wing. He couldn’t handle the extreme speed (of the Arsenal winger).”
Mundo Deportivo called Saka ‘daring’ and wrote: “His first half was very good, driving Alaba crazy, but he ended up coming off the pitch in the second, showing that he is still not 100 per cent.”
The one thing that proves Bukayo Saka is world-class
Before the start of last season, many people questioned if Saka had what it takes to deliver in the Champions League.
The England international shut many of those critics up with his performances last season, but there were still a few who thought he couldn’t do it against the very best.
On Tuesday night, Saka – who was clearly not 100 per cent fit – had an easy evening against Alaba, who is one of the most experienced and successful left-backs in Europe.
If that doesn’t convince people that Saka is world-class, nothing else will.
Arsenal fans and Arteta know just how incredible the Englishman is – nothing else should matter to him.
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