Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino says the Gunners may have ‘complete respect’ at Actual Madrid on Wednesday and their Champions League quarter-final is much from over regardless of a 3-0 first-leg lead.
Merino scored a positive purpose on the Emirates final week, after Declan Rice hit two beautiful free-kicks to place Mikel Arteta’s facet seemingly in command.
However Actual have gained the Champions League 15 instances and Merino shouldn’t be ruling out an astonishing comeback.
He informed Cadena SER: “Actual have that aura – and it’s deserved. However soccer is unpredictable. Something can occur. It’s an open tie
“Their high quality is well-known. Any of them can damage you at any time.
“We all know precisely who we’re up in opposition to – complete respect. We’re going to a brutal stadium. We’ll go together with confidence, sure, but in addition with starvation and humility, prepared to offer our greatest.
“Can they comeback? Come on, they’ve carried out it earlier than, proper?”
Merino has been used as an emergency ahead this season since Arsenal picked up accidents to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Many followers doubted Arteta’s choice to play Merino as a striker again in February…
6 targets in 10 video games. Simply scored in opposition to Actual Madrid. Masterclass 🧠 pic.twitter.com/UMPBgYH7md
— Soccer on TNT Sports activities (@footballontnt) April 8, 2025
Merino says he doesn’t know if he’ll proceed for use up entrance however was joyful together with his purpose within the first leg.
“The end was good too,” he mentioned.
“Clearly, Declan’s two rockets overshadowed mine a bit, however it’s one I’ll at all times bear in mind.
“Declan is constructed for giant video games and stepped up after we wanted him most.”
