Arsenal star Mikel Merino has revealed that a number of of his teammates have been asking him about Actual Madrid, notably the aura surrounding their legendary Champions League comebacks.
With Arsenal set to face Madrid within the quarter-finals, there’s a rising sense of intrigue inside the Premier League squad concerning the Spanish giants’ mentality and historical past within the competitors.
Merino, who has firsthand expertise taking part in in opposition to Madrid in La Liga, admitted that his teammates are keen to grasp what makes the membership so particular in Europe’s elite competitors.
“They ask me what the stadium is like, what the environment is like if all that aura that surrounds Madrid within the Champions League and their comebacks is true.
“After all, after they have completed it so many occasions, it’s the picture that’s had of them,” he mentioned as quoted by .
There aren’t any favourites
From the Santiago Bernabeu’s electrifying environment to the workforce’s unmatched skill to show video games round when it issues most, Madrid’s presence within the Champions League instructions admiration and respect.
It’s no shock that Arsenal gamers are interested in Madrid’s profitable DNA. Again and again, Los Blancos have confirmed that they thrive below stress, delivering a few of the most dramatic comebacks in soccer historical past.
The Champions League is a match the place small particulars usually resolve video games, however Actual Madrid’s skill to rise to the event has grow to be a defining trait.
Whereas Merino acknowledged that there are a number of robust contenders for the trophy, Madrid’s historical past speaks for itself.
“Speaking about favourites could be very troublesome as a result of the Champions League exhibits you that the main points make the distinction. There are three or 4 groups that may be thought of favourites, however you may’t say only one.”
As Arsenal put together for his or her showdown with the reigning European champions, they are going to shortly realise that dealing with Madrid is in contrast to some other problem.
The load of historical past, the magic of the Bernabeu, and Madrid’s relentless pursuit of glory make them a pressure to be reckoned with.