By Karl Matchett
Spanish sides know the sensation
Not that Actual Madrid usually wish to take inspiration from the likes of their greatest rivals Barcelona, however they’re one of many few groups to have been concerned in any such comeback earlier than; from a fair worse state of affairs in truth, the well-known remontada comeback, beating PSG 6-1 after dropping 4-0 within the first leg. Actual are solely 3-0 down right here by comparability, although Barcelona have skilled that scoreline too, in reverse: they misplaced 4-0 to Liverpool in 2019 are being three up from the primary leg, and a yr earlier gave up a 4-1 result in exit on away targets at Roma. A lot for Madrid to grasp, then, that massive leads can work each methods – and naturally Los Blancos have their very own historical past of comebacks to level to as proof that the tie isn’t throughout simply but.
All or nothing for Arsenal
The Gunners may scarcely have dreamed of being in a greater place after the primary leg, but it surely additionally reinforces the very fact all their eggs for this season are in a Champions League-shaped basket. Whereas Actual have a Copa del Rey closing and a LaLiga title battle to cope with, it’s simply this competitors for Mikel Arteta’s males. One other weekend draw leaves them 13 factors off the tempo within the Premier League – it’s European glory or one other empty-handed yr subsequently. The trail forward remains to be robust, with PSG doubtless semi-final opponents, however there’s no use worrying about one robust problem when, too usually, they’ve proven themselves able to collapsing when the stress is absolutely on. With this three-goal cushion, they need to begin to present they’ll shed that tag ultimately.
Current kind
Not stellar from both facet in reality, however Arsenal are unbeaten in 9 – 5 attracts in that point – and haven’t misplaced a sport by three or extra all season lengthy. That’s all they need to do, with the stress very a lot on the hosts. Actual gained on the weekend regardless of a Kylian Mbappé purple card, however that was their first win in 4. At residence this season they’ve gained by three or extra on eight events.
Workforce information
Eduardo Camavinga is suspended and the identical names are out long run for Madrid – Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão and Ferland Mendy. For Arsenal, centre-back Gabriel is out for the season and Kai Havertz is out till a minimum of Could. Jurrien Timber may need to begin right-back as Thomas Partey went off injured on the weekend and midfielder Jorginho is a doubt too.
Key participant
David Raya has been largely spectacular for the Gunners this season, not simply with shot-stopping but additionally his focus and talent to comb via balls. His 82% save fee is third-highest within the Champions League, however 3.9 targets prevented is high. Arsenal might have that kind.
Prediction
Actual to win the night time, however Arsenal to win the tie. That third purpose might show all-important: Madrid 3-1 Arsenal
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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