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 advantageous aim on the Emirates final week, after Declan Rice hit two beautiful free-kicks to place Mikel Arteta’s aspect seemingly in command.
However Actual have received the Champions League 15 occasions and Merino isn’t 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 towards – 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 achieved 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 determination to play Merino as a striker again in February…
6 objectives in 10 video games. Simply scored towards 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 completely happy along with his aim within the first leg.
“The end was good too,” he stated.
“Clearly, Declan’s two rockets overshadowed mine a bit, but it surely’s one I’ll at all times bear in mind.
“Declan is constructed for large video games and stepped up once we wanted him most.”
