Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has shared his forecast as Arsenal takes on Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
The Gunners’ hopes of winning the Premier League are nearly finished as Mikel Arteta’s team trails 13 points behind leaders Liverpool before their last six games of the season.
Arsenal is now focused entirely on securing the Champions League, with Arteta's team creating an excellent opportunity to make it to the semi-finals.
Two stunning free-kicks from Declan Rice and a goal from Mikel Merino resulted in Arsenal defeating Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg as they travel to the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Ferdinand remarked on his YouTube channel: “If Madrid gets the first goal and there’s about thirty minutes left… rah! My backside will be voicing for you all [Arsenal]!
“I believe Arsenal will advance, believe me.” I do. I believe it will be excessive. I believe Arsenal will advance. I believe they have excessive amounts.
"I believe this Madrid squad appeared somewhat uncoordinated recently; the team's structure and balance have been off, resulting in them conceding goals frequently."
The return of [Bukayo] Saka was significant and it transformed everything for Arsenal.
“If Saka isn’t present, I doubt they would have achieved a 3-0 victory.” However, that is the case, and I believe Arsenal will advance.
Ferdinand stated: “I’m supporting Arsenal to advance.” If my life depends on it now, I'm backing Arsenal to succeed, no issue.
"I'm merely stating: that club Real Madrid is an enigmatic club." If Arsenal falls behind, the narrative may change.
“Nonetheless, I believe Arsenal will advance since they are likely to score.”
Ferdinand went on: “In what way will Mikel Arteta get this team ready to tackle this match? I believe that will be one of the crucial elements in this match.
"Does he step out and say, ‘Let’s play defensively, let’s safeguard, let’s just maintain what we have,’ or does he say, ‘You know what? Let’s bring the game to them, as if we score, they will need to net four! They need to score five to defeat us, and when have we allowed five? That's my approach.
“I’d step out and say, ‘Hey, let’s do this, face to face!’”
Ferdinand continued: “I've seen it far too often in recent Champions League seasons… teams lead 2-0, feeling comfortable, and then suddenly, that chaos just unfolds.
“They’re [Madrid] simply drawing the ball into the net.”
The Man Utd icon believes Arsenal are still“proving” themselves on the grand stage before their game against Real Madrid.
Ferdinand stated: “I believe they are currently demonstrating that they are capable and perform well in significant moments.
"They haven't achieved anything to indicate that the major events are when they truly shine."
“You only achieve that level of respect after you’ve begun to excel in crucial matches and securing trophies, making people say, ‘When the big moment arrives, I trust these guys’.”
"They are currently proving that and have successfully overcome several significant challenges." The 3-0 victory at home is a significant challenge.
“However, if they are eliminated in the next round, that match is merely a DVD.” That's all.
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