Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson has outlined how his former side can overcome Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night.
The former England international is of the opinion that the only way Mikel Arteta’s team can surpass their La Liga visitors and reach the Champions League semi-finals is by winning the first leg at the Emirates.
He said the Gunners must secure a two-goal lead in London before travelling to Madrid to face the titleholders in the second leg on 16 April.
He told Sky Sports, “Arsenal have got to win this first leg. Winning by one is the bare minimum; I think they will have to win it by at least two.
“Real aren’t playing well at the moment. Arsenal will hurt them because Real are conceding too many goals at the moment.”
He, however, thinks that Los Blancos’ exceptional European pedigree will always be a cause for concern for Mikel Arteta and his side.
“While they’re not playing well, they always turn up in the Champions League. This is the worry for the Gunners,” he said.
