“I’m scared of him but Vini is not scared and I’m very confident we’ll eliminate them since Vini is not scared”: Real Madrid’s striker Kylian Mbappe names ONE Arsenal’s player he’s so scared to play against
Arsenal will battle Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final after they advanced past a dramatic round of 16.
After a tough battle, Real Madrid have secured their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, overthrowing neighbours Atletico Madrid to get there via penalty shootout.
Having done so, the reigning champions of Spain and Europe will now face Premier League heavyweights Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the competition.
The Gunners all but secured their place in the last eight after thrashing PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the first leg of their Round-of-16 tie.
Mikel Arteta’s men finished the job today at the Emirates, playing out a 2-2 win to set up a date with Real Madrid.
The Merengues had beaten Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu and managed to get through after securing a penalty shootout win, following a 1-0 loss after extra time at the Metropolitano tonight.
With Real Madrid now drawn to face Arsenal in the quarter-finals, it will mean that the Spanish capital club will face off against one of their former talents in Martin Odegaard as well as a key transfer target for the future – William Saliba.
Saliba Impressed vs Chelsea
Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners were unbeaten in the last six meetings against the Blues and continued the streak with a solid win yesterday.
The hosts took the lead with their first corner-kick goal in two months.
Mikel Merino came up with a perfectly timed header to beat Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Arsenal were unable to double their advantage despite some quality chances. Leandro Trossard was particularly woeful with his decision-making in the London derby.
Despite this, there were plenty of positives to carry forward. Merino scored his fifth league goal of the campaign as an emergency striker. It proved the match-winner.
William Saliba was tremendous in the heart of the Arsenal defence. He comfortably oversaw the threat of Christopher Nkunku and made a superb sliding challenge on Pedro Neto.
The Frenchman had 70 touches in the derby with a passing accuracy of 90 percent. He won 100 percent of his aerials (3/3) and 100 percent of his tackles (2/2).
He also made four clearances, four recoveries and two blocks. It was a fantastic showing from the central defender. He controlled proceedings with relative ease.
Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea has reduced the gap to leaders Liverpool to 12 points with nine games to play.
Liverpool have a clear advantage, but the Gunners must keep winning to capitalise on any setbacks for the Reds.
Arne Slot’s side bowed out of the Champions League and lost the Carabao Cup final in the same week.
It remains to be seen whether this impacts their league performances after the international break.
