Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has shared that his teammates have been talking a lot about Real Madrid ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final match in April.
Arsenal secured a spot in the last eight after an impressive 9-3 win over PSV in the round of 16. They will now face Real Madrid, who defeated Atletico Madrid to advance.
Merino revealed that Arsenal players have been asking him about Real Madrid’s reputation in the Champions League. They are curious about the atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu and whether the Spanish club’s famous comebacks are real.
“They ask me about the stadium, the atmosphere, and if Real Madrid really has that special aura in the Champions League,” Merino told Onda Cero.
He explained that Real Madrid’s history of dramatic comebacks is no coincidence. Since they have done it so many times, it has become part of their identity in the competition.
The Spanish international also mentioned that it’s difficult to pick a clear favorite to win the tournament. While a few teams can be considered strong contenders, small details often decide Champions League matches.
Real Madrid are the current champions after defeating Borussia Dortmund in last year’s final. Now, Arsenal will try to challenge their dominance in the upcoming quarter-final clash.
