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Former Arsenal defender Phillippe Senderos has predicted the outcome of his former side's UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid. The Gunners are set to visit the Santiago Bernabeu for the second leg of their quarterfinal tie against Los Blancos with a comfortable three-goal lead from the first leg.
Mikel Arteta's side stunned even their own fans in the first leg between the sides, with Declan Rice scoring two free-kicks and Mikel Merino adding a third goal. The Gunners are looking to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for a first time since 2009.
Senderos was part of the Arsenal side that eliminated Real Madrid from the competition in 2006, with Thierry Henry scoring the only goal of the tie at the Santiago Bernabeu. The former defender spoke to Spanish outlet AS about the upcoming tie, pointing out that the Spanish giants cannot be written off as they are playing at home.
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“Madrid is a great team, brimming with champions and an incomparable history. The result is very unfavorable, but I think they can do a lot of damage if they’re successful. Maybe, but with Madrid’s stars, anything is possible. They have impressive quality, and if we know one thing, it’s that in their stadium and with their fans, they won’t give up as long as there’s a chance to move forward. The fans will push them, and a first goal can change the situation. They can do it.”
Real Madrid have sent out messages via several of their stars warning Arsenal of their willingness to fight for progression. The Spanish giants will aim to become only the fourth side to overturn a three-goal deficit in a knockout game in the Champions League.
Los Blancos are aiming to reach the semi-finals of the competition for a fifth successive season and potentially defend the title they won last year. On the other hand, the Gunners are looking to progress in the competition, their only realistic chance of silverware this term.
Real Madrid set to be without two stars for Arsenal clash - Reports
Real Madrid are set to be at near-full strength for their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos will, however, be without the duo of Andriy Lunin and Ferland Mendy for the game after the pair did not train with the rest of the squad, as per reports.
France international Mendy has been out of action since the second leg of the Round of 16 tie against Atletico Madrid last month. Lunin picked up an injury in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad earlier this month. The pair did not train for the game against the Gunners, as per journalist Mario Cortegana.
Los Blancos will welcome both Aurélien Tchouameni and Dani Ceballos for the game at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the pair having missed the first leg. Both midfielders were in the squad for their weekend trip to Alaves, and will feature against the Gunners.
