Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino said the Gunners will have “total respect” in Real Madrid on Wednesday and that their quarter-final of the Champions League is far from over despite a 3-0 lead at first sight.
Merino scored a good goal at the Emirates last week, after Declan Rice struck two superb free kicks to put the team of Mikel Arteta apparently in control.
But Real won the Champions League 15 times and Merino is not excluded an amazing return.
He said Cadena Ser: “The real ones have this aura – and it is deserved. But football is unpredictable. Anything can happen. It’s an open tie
“Their quality is well known. All of them can hurt you at any time.
“We know exactly who we will face – total respect. We go to a brutal stadium. We will be confident, yes, but also hungry and humility, ready to give our best.
“Maybe they come back? Come on, they have already done so, right? ”
Merino was used as an emergency striker this season since Arsenal injured Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Many fans doubted Arteta’s decision to play Merino as attacking in February …
6 goals in 10 games. I just scored against Real Madrid. Masterclass 🧠 pic.twitter.com/ugbgyh7md
– Football on TNT SPORTS (@footballontnt) April 8, 2025
Merino says he does not know if he will continue to be used at the front but was satisfied with his goal in the first leg.
“The arrival was also good,” he said.
“Obviously, the two Declan rockets have overshadowed mine a bit, but that’s one that I will always remember.
“Declan is designed for big games and intensified when we needed him most.”
