Force to be reckoned with: Spanish media react as Arsenal’s 7-1 win sends a message to Madrid | OneFootball

Arsenal’s record 7-1 Champions League win over PSV hit the Spanish headlines, as top publications hailed their ‘brilliance ‘masterclass’ ahead of a likely showdown with Madrid.

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Arsenal’s record-breaking 7-1 demolition of PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League Round of 16 generated headlines across Spain, with the country’s leading sports publications acknowledging the ruthlessness of Mikel Arteta’s side.

With Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid awaiting the Gunners in the quarter-finals, the Spanish press was unanimous in its assessment: Arsenal are a force to be reckoned with in Europe.

Madrid awaits Arsenal – AS

AS Madrid awaits Arsenal

Spanish daily AS framed Arsenal’s destruction of PSV as the ultimate statement ahead of a potential showdown with one of Madrid’s giants.

“After two consecutive setbacks in the Premier League that left them 13 points behind the leaders – both without scoring – Arsenal feasted on the taste of the quarterfinals,” it wrote, adding that the only thing standing between them and a quarter-final against Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid is “an historic surprise” in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

The report highlighted the dominance of Martin Ødegaard, calling it his “best performance of the season” after scoring twice and delivering a “sublime assist.”

Mikel Merino, operating as a false nine, was also praised for justifying Arteta’s faith in him.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

There was also criticism of PSV, who had stunned Juventus in the previous round. “No sign of the team that eliminated Juventus in the last round,” the paper remarked.

“If the tie wasn’t already decided, Arteta’s players ensured the second leg at the Emirates would be a mere formality.”

Arsenal warns with a historic 1-7 to PSV – Mundo Deportivo

Mundo Deportivo – Arsenal warns with a historic 1-7 to PSV

Mundo Deportivo took a broader approach, underlining the importance of the Champions League for Arsenal given their faltering domestic campaign.

“With Arsenal’s Premier League title chase all but over, trailing Liverpool by 13 points, and having already been eliminated from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, the Champions League remains their last shot at silverware,” they wrote.

The Catalan publication labelled it an “historic” win, which it was, noting that Arsenal became the first team to score seven goals away from home in a Champions League knockout match.

It also acknowledged the impact of Arsenal’s young stars:

“Three minutes later, Nwaneri – aged 17 years and 346 days – etched his name into Champions League history, becoming the third-youngest player to score in a knockout stage match, following Bojan Krkić and Jude Bellingham. His goal came from a move orchestrated by Myles Lewis-Skelly (18), showcasing the fearless youthful talent in Arteta’s ranks.”

Ødegaard’s class was another key focus. “Arsenal’s captain was unplayable, scoring again in the 73rd minute, assisted by Merino, before providing an exquisite pass for Calafiori (85′) to apply the finishing touch.

“The Philips Stadion emptied out long before the final whistle, PSV’s fans unable to endure the humiliation. For Arsenal, it was a statement performance – and a warning to their potential quarterfinal opponents. Arteta’s men mean business.“

The Arsenal is a cannon – Marca

Marca – The Arsenal is a cannon

Marca delivered a more dramatic verdict, describing Arsenal’s win as a “football masterclass” that banished any doubts after their recent Premier League stumbles.

The Madrid-based newspaper called it a “a performance for the ages”, underlining how the Gunners dismantled PSV with ease.

“The match was entirely one-sided, and Arteta’s team delivered a footballing masterclass to shake off their recent struggles in the Premier League,” Marca wrote.

Despite Arsenal’s dominance, Marca suggested Lewis-Skelly was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card before Arteta substituted him. “With the 0-2, however, everything could have changed if Gil Manzano had taken a given second yellow to the also very young Lewis-Skelly.”

“Yet, whatever Arteta said in the dressing room worked wonders,” they added. “Within three minutes of the restart, Arsenal struck twice more – Ødegaard and Trossard making it 1-4 and 1-5 in quick succession.”

The report ended with an ominous warning for Arsenal’s future opponents, declaring: “Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are a force to be reckoned with.”