By Danong
Arsenal head to Madrid holding a commanding 3-0 lead over Real Madrid as the two sides renew their rivalry in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash.
The task for Arsenal is clear—they must avoid losing by three or more goals on Wednesday night. This raises the question: do they approach the match at Santiago Bernabéu with a defensive mindset, just avoiding losing, or do they aim for another emphatic victory?
It seems unlikely that Mikel Arteta would risk the fine record his team has established in the Champions League this season. Across 11 UCL games, Arsenal boast an impressive record of eight wins, two draws, and just one loss.
Arteta’s approach on Wednesday night will likely see his Arsenal side playing their normal game of dominating the ball aiming to secure another win but going into a defensive shape when the circumstances dictate so.
Which team will be best equipped to cope with Real Madrid’s attacking threats?
The task for Arsenal is clear—they must avoid losing by three or more goals on Wednesday night. This raises the question: do they approach the match at Santiago Bernabéu with a defensive mindset, just avoiding losing, or do they aim for another emphatic victory?
It seems unlikely that Mikel Arteta would risk the fine record his team has established in the Champions League this season. Across 11 UCL games, Arsenal boast an impressive record of eight wins, two draws, and just one loss.
Arteta’s approach on Wednesday night will likely see his Arsenal side playing their normal game of dominating the ball aiming to secure another win but going into a defensive shape when the circumstances dictate so.
Which team will be best equipped to cope with Real Madrid’s attacking threats?
Before our predicted lineup, it’s worth noting that Thomas Partey, who suffered a knock against Brentford, and Ben White, who failed a fitness test ahead of the same match, returned to training and are available for selection.
Given the circumstances, Arsenal’s strongest line-up for the second leg could look like this:
Raya
Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly
Partey, Rice, Ødegaard
Saka, Merino, Martinelli
While the team is strong across the board, two players stand out—Mikel Merino and Jakub Kiwior.
Due to injuries, Merino has been filling in as a striker and excelling in the role, with six goals in 11 games. He found the net against Real Madrid in the first leg and will be looking to make his mark again on Wednesday night.
Given the circumstances, Arsenal’s strongest line-up for the second leg could look like this:
Raya
Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly
Partey, Rice, Ødegaard
Saka, Merino, Martinelli
While the team is strong across the board, two players stand out—Mikel Merino and Jakub Kiwior.
Due to injuries, Merino has been filling in as a striker and excelling in the role, with six goals in 11 games. He found the net against Real Madrid in the first leg and will be looking to make his mark again on Wednesday night.
For Kiwior, this is another opportunity to prove he belongs at Arsenal. His performance in the first leg was exceptional, and he will need to rise to the occasion once more.
Kiwior’s presence also allows Saliba to come to the fore and enjoy more freedom on the ball. Saliba and Kiwior have been partnered for nine games, with Arsenal unbeaten and keeping five clean sheets!
Strong performances from both Kiwior and Merino could propel Arsenal to a memorable night at Santiago Bernabéu, securing their first Champions League semi-final spot since 2009.
Kiwior’s presence also allows Saliba to come to the fore and enjoy more freedom on the ball. Saliba and Kiwior have been partnered for nine games, with Arsenal unbeaten and keeping five clean sheets!
Strong performances from both Kiwior and Merino could propel Arsenal to a memorable night at Santiago Bernabéu, securing their first Champions League semi-final spot since 2009.
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