Mikel Merino reveals Arsenal squad’s fascination with Real Madrid – ‘They ask me about…’ | OneFootball

Arsenal star Mikel Merino has revealed that several of his teammates have been asking him about Real Madrid, particularly the aura surrounding their legendary Champions League comebacks.

With Arsenal set to face Madrid in the quarter-finals, there is a growing sense of intrigue within the Premier League squad about the Spanish giants’ mentality and history in the competition.

Merino, who has firsthand experience playing against Madrid in La Liga, admitted that his teammates are eager to understand what makes the club so special in Europe’s elite competition.

“They ask me what the stadium is like, what the atmosphere is like if all that aura that surrounds Madrid in the Champions League and their comebacks is true.

“Of course, when they have done it so many times, it is the image that is had of them,” he said as quoted by SPORT.

There are no favourites

From the Santiago Bernabeu’s electrifying atmosphere to the team’s unmatched ability to turn games around when it matters most, Madrid’s presence in the Champions League commands admiration and respect.

Merino reveals Arsenal players have asked him about Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

It is no surprise that Arsenal players are curious about Madrid’s winning DNA. Time and again, Los Blancos have proven that they thrive under pressure, delivering some of the most dramatic comebacks in football history.

The Champions League is a tournament where small details often decide games, but Real Madrid’s ability to rise to the occasion has become a defining trait.

While Merino acknowledged that there are multiple strong contenders for the trophy, Madrid’s history speaks for itself.

“Talking about favourites is very difficult because the Champions League shows you that the details make the difference. There are three or four teams that can be considered favourites, but you can’t say just one.”

As Arsenal prepare for their showdown with the reigning European champions, they will quickly realise that facing Madrid is unlike any other challenge.

The weight of history, the magic of the Bernabeu, and Madrid’s relentless pursuit of glory make them a force to be reckoned with.