CurrentReport Blog Paul Merson believes Arsenal’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid isn’t over yet despite a dominant 3-0 first-leg win. The former Gunner also backs PSG to reach the final.
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has urged his old club not to get complacent, insisting their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash with Real Madrid is far from over.
The Gunners put in a commanding performance at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, securing a 3-0 first-leg victory against the Spanish giants. Declan Rice bagged a brace from free-kicks, while Mikel Merino added a third to put Mikel Arteta’s side in the driver’s seat heading into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Despite the convincing result, Merson reminded fans of Real Madrid’s pedigree in the competition.
“I don’t think the Arsenal vs Real Madrid tie is over yet,” the Sky Sports pundit said. “Real Madrid’s front three will be better in that second leg and if they can find an early goal, the pressure will be on.”
Merson praised the overall quality of the Champions League quarterfinal ties and singled out Paris Saint-Germain as serious contenders for the title this season.
“PSG look dangerous. They are playing with a confidence we’ve never seen them have in this competition before,” Merson added. “With all due respect to Aston Villa, I expect PSG to go through and whether it’s Arsenal or Real Madrid they face in the semi-finals, they will still fancy their chances.”
Ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Brentford, Merson expects Arteta to rotate the squad in preparation for the high-stakes second leg.
“So I’m expecting him to rest a few players against Brentford,” he concluded.
Arsenal fans will be hoping for a composed performance in Madrid to book their place in the Champions League semi-finals and potentially face a confident PSG side.
