Arsenal superstar reflects on the challenge of stopping Real Madrid’s comeback – ‘Our mentality is to…’ | OneFootball

On Wednesday night, the Santiago Bernabeu will rise like never before in support of a Real Madrid team who face a mountain to climb in the UEFA Champions League.

The first leg of the quarterfinal against Arsenal saw Los Blancos put up a dismal show as they missed all the chances they created.

Two magical freekicks by Declan Rice and a Mikel Merino goal later, they were 0-3 down and the team from the Spanish capital must overturn that deficit tomorrow night.

Merino’s thoughts

Speaking to the media ahead of the big clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, Arsenal star Mikel Merino was asked to share his honest thoughts about the game and its possible result.

A lot has been said about a possible comeback, and he was asked if he felt it was too good to be true.

“Real Madrid going for the comeback? Yes, that is the mentality of Real Madrid.

Mikel Merino scored against Real Madrid in the first leg. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

“That’s why we have so much respect for them. It will be an open game, where we go all out,” he added, admitting it was not impossible.

Elaborating on what the Gunners’ game plan will be on Wednesday night and whether they would play defensive or their usual attacking game, he said,

“How we will play? Well the result changes you, it’s a part of football. Our mentality is to be brave, to be Arsenal and to stay true to our system.”

When asked about the possibility of Real Madrd scoring an early goal and amping up the pressure, he said,

“The team is prepared for it. In football there is no fixed script, the key is to adapt.”

Finally, he was asked to pick one Real Madrid player he would rather not face in the current game situation, and he surprisingly didn’t pick either Vinicius Jr. or Kylian Mbappe.

“If I could stop one Real Madrid player from playing it would be Rodrygo. I like him a lot. He’s so good. He does so well in between the lines.”

Source: COPE