Arsenal have ‘total respect’ for Real says Merino

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino says the Gunners will have ‘total respect’ at Real Madrid on Wednesday and their Champions League quarter-final is far from over despite a 3-0 first-leg lead.

Merino scored a fine goal at the Emirates last week, after Declan Rice hit two stunning free-kicks to put Mikel Arteta’s side seemingly in command.

But Real have won the Champions League 15 times and Merino is not ruling out an astonishing comeback.

He told Cadena SER: “Real have that aura – and it’s deserved. But football is unpredictable. Anything can happen. It’s an open tie

“Their quality is well known. Any of them can hurt you at any time.

“We know exactly who we’re up against – total respect. We’re going to a brutal stadium. We’ll go with confidence, yes, but also with hunger and humility, ready to give our best.

“Can they comeback? Come on, they’ve done it before, right?”

Merino has been used as an emergency forward this season since Arsenal picked up injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Many fans doubted Arteta’s decision to play Merino as a striker back in February…

6 goals in 10 games. Just scored against Real Madrid. Masterclass 🧠 pic.twitter.com/UMPBgYH7md

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 8, 2025

Merino says he does not know if he will continue to be used up front but was happy with his goal in the first leg.

“The finish was good too,” he said.

“Obviously, Declan’s two rockets overshadowed mine a bit, but it’s one I’ll always remember.

“Declan is built for big games and stepped up when we needed him most.”