Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has warned that the Champions League quarter-final between Arsenal and Real Madrid is not over yet.

Arsenal won the first leg 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium, with two free-kick goals from Declan Rice and another from Mikel Merino. This big win puts them in a strong position to reach the semi-finals.

However, Merson believes Real Madrid are still a dangerous team. He said Real Madrid has a history of making big comebacks in this competition. He also thinks their attacking players will perform better in the second leg.

“This tie is not finished,” Merson said. “If Madrid score early in the second leg, Arsenal could be under serious pressure.”

He added that this year’s Champions League has seen some great goals and strong performances from many teams.

Merson also shared his pick for the team he believes will reach the final — French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He said PSG is playing with more confidence than ever and expects them to beat Aston Villa in their quarter-final clash.

“PSG look really strong. No matter who they face in the semi-final — Arsenal or Madrid — they will believe they can win,” he said.

Looking ahead to Arsenal’s Premier League game against Brentford, Merson thinks manager Mikel Arteta might rest some top players to keep them fresh for the second leg against Real Madrid.