Ahead of a crucial second leg against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, Arsenal’s goalscorer from the first game, Mikel Merino has sounded out a warning to his team about the tie, even though they lead 3-0 on aggregate.
Real Madrid will be closing the roof of the capacity crowd at the Bernabeu in a bid to amplify the atmosphere. While most clubs would look at a 3-0 lead as unassailable, Merino said that Arsenal know what’s at stake and what their opponents are capable off.
“I haven’t talked about that issue with my teammates. They know what has happened in the past. On a personal level, I’ve had good and bad experiences at the Bernabeu. I, as one of the veterans of the team, will try to contribute what I can on an emotional level, but they are all quite calm and confident that it will be a tough game,” said Merino to Spanish media house COPE.
Merino scored the third goal for the Gunners against Madrid. The first two goals though, Declan Rice’s two freekicks that stunned all, including his own teammates, left the Arsenal forward with the belief that Rice should handle freekick duties from hereon out.
“He’s earned the right to take the next 150 freekicks. Doing it on such a big stage like that has a huge impact,” he said ahead of the Champions League semifinal.
Merino was also asked who amongst all of Real Madrid’s players would be want at Arsenal, and curiously the name of Rodrygo popped up. The Brazilian, famous for sinking Manchester City in one of the comeback victories that have made Madrid’s second leg exploits legendary, was singled out by Merino as a special player.
“Everyone has their tastes. I love them all, but I have a special weakness, or I like him more and I would like to play with him sometime, it’s Rodrygo. He’s very good between the lines, he goes into space well, I really like watching him play. Every midfielder would like to play with him. He can give you everything and he’s very unpredictable for the opponent,” said the Spaniard.
