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Mikel Merino knows that Arsenal will have to be completely at both games against Real Madrid if they want to keep their great four and make progress in the Champions League semi -finals.
Gunners are hosting veterans champions in the first leg of their last eight tie tomorrow night and will depend a lot on how Arsenal manages Madrid’s attacking threat to Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham.
Their task made it difficult for the absence of the key central defender Gabriel and Merino knows that the concentration would be key.
Marci said, “Their level is amazing, physically and in the view of quality. At first, it was difficult for them to connect everything, but now they connected with each other.
“If you turn off for a second, if you don’t get the correct labeling, they can find space and punish you. We have a lot of respect for them, but without fear.”
Merino emphasizes Rodryga as a danger
From Madrid’s attacking quartet, it was least announced that Merino admired the most.
Asked who he would like to play the most, the Spanish international said, “It’s hard to say one, but I might say Rodrygo. I don’t say he’s underestimated, but he’s a player who really loves: fast, physically, technically, he has a great one -on -one, he’s good with spaces.”
Madrid has gained reputation in the Champions League to grinding victories regardless of the circumstances, especially in the Santiago Bernabeu, and Merino knows that Arsenal will have to fight in a return match next week.
He said, “When the draw came out, I spoke with some of my (international) teammates from Madrid, but nothing in a detailed detail.
“Bernabéu always had this energy and this is something that must be taken into account to focus until the last minute, whether 90 or 120 in the second leg.
“That stadium and this team always believe and have confidence to the end. It is crucial to us to control that chaos in the last minutes.”
✈️👋 It’s time to flight!@Zegna | #Realmadridxzegna pic.twitter.com/hyzweqrvif
– Real Madrid Cf 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadenid) April 7, 2025
Merino enjoys unknown roles in the central part
Merino was allocated to the unknown center center this season due to the injury of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz and impressed her, scoring seven times in 34 games.
28-year-old, who will play tomorrow night, despite the end Saturday’s draw 1-1 in Everton He enjoyed his experience with his head and admitted that he had surpassed even his own expectations.
“Yes, it was a little surprising even that I could contribute as much as a striker,” he said.
“I always had this point of point, and I even think I could use it more in my career, but I didn’t know that to this current point.
“I feel comfortable in the position and the quality of my teammates helps a lot, because they always put the ball in the right place.
“I adjusted well because I listen to my coaches as well. I didn’t even think I was number nine, but Mikel (Arteta, his coach) believed me for this new role and for now it is good. Everything is less and less surprising.”
Mikel Merino: First Three 🎬
Our Spaniard appoints some of his favorite goals 🎯 pic.twitter.com/l8nzcenjuc
– Arsenal (@arsenal) April 6, 2025
Arsenal will need to use the brain as well as Brawn – Merino
Merino says Arsenal will have to be “smart” to pass Madrid.
“It will depend a lot on how play, physicality, time, etc.,” he added.
“The mentality is to beat and dominate, but we have to adapt to the type of game. You don’t always play the way you want, and you have to be smart. We’ll adjust to one style or another.”
