What Mikel Arteta must do to beat Real Madrid again and reach Champions League semi-finals | OneFootball

Real Madrid have NEVER scored a goal against Arsenal and their Invincible former midfielder Ray Parlour sees no reason to believe that will change when manager Mikel Arteta takes his side to the Bernabeu for their Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Arsenal lead 3-0 from an emphatic win in London but few people are ruling out a comeback by Carlo Ancelotti’s defending champions has won Europe’s biggest cup trophy 15 times. They are, however, yet to score against Arsenal in their three European meetings.

Parlour, speaking as an ambassador for NetBet Sports Betting, played in 32 Champions League ties for Arsenal and said: “They must look to go with a similar game plan as the first leg and look to get on the ball and be creative to cause Madrid problems down the flanks. That way, if they can get the first goal, it makes it very difficult for Madrid.

“They will be scared of Bukayo Saka and also the pace of Gabriel Martinelli can cause them problems. Defensively, it’s all about concentration and there is no reason why Arsenal can’t defend well in Madrid, stop their main threat of Kylian Mbappe and watch the late runs into the box from Jude Bellingham.

“They are very much still in the tie as it’s Real Madrid and we know their love of this competition, so they will be looking to get a goal quickly. But with Declan Rice and Thomas Partey in that midfield, Arsenal can be resolute and show real grit and courage to get on the ball and play. Arsenal can quality for the semi-finals and you never know what can happen after that.”

Win, lose, or draw, Parlour believes Arteta has shown enough in his side’s injury-hit this season to warrant more support this summer in the form of a sizeable transfer budget.

Arteta is yet to add to the FA Cup he won in his first season in charge five years ago, but Parlour senses that will soon change.

He explained: “You can see there is so much potential in this squad and there is no pressure on Arteta. Nights like the Madrid win are proof Arsenal are right in the mix for major honours.

“This year’s Premier League has been too much with injuries plus some refereeing decisions that have gone against them. Losing four strikers in such a crucial period of the season has been massive and it goes to show what a job Arteta is doing that Mikel Merino has stepped in from midfield to playing in attack and done so well.

“Arsenal is in for a big summer, I expect them to get the striker they want and push on next season.

“I like Alexander Isak from Newcastle. He looks the perfect fit for this side. He is quick, can finish, runs the channels well and his movement is excellent and link up play too. He fits the profile of an Arsenal player and could be the missing link in this side to get over the line.”