Arsenal stunned Real Madrid with a 3-0 victory in the Champions League, but the win came at a cost. Key players Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Bukayo Saka are all doubtful for the second leg due to injury. Can Arsenal hold on to their lead?
The match played at the Emirates Stadium ended as a great party for Arsenal fans. However, Mikel Arteta and the players remain cautious. Beyond the 3-0 that undoubtedly imposes them as the favorites to advance to the Semifinal of the UEFA Champions League, in front is Real Madrid that can do everything in the continental competition.
In addition, apart from the fact that the second fragment of the series will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the Spanish coach of the Gunners maintains three doubts that may be decisive for next week. One of them, the author of the two great goals from set pieces, Declan Rice.
The English midfielder, who was the figure of the first crossing that was played for the Quarterfinals of the Champions League of Europe, had to be replaced at 80 minutes (in his place entered Kieran Terney) due to a discomfort in one of his ankles, in which he was seen bleeding. This reason makes his presence not confirmed in the Spanish capital.
But as described above is not the only one. Two other key pieces of Arsenal can not ensure that they will be available for the rematch with Real Madrid. One is Jurrien Timber, who left near the end for Ben White, and the other Bukayo Saka, who was supplanted at 74 minutes by Leonardo Trossard. Both also with physical setbacks.
Arteta knows the job is only half done
The most serene of all at Arsenal seems to be coach Mikel Arteta. Or at least that is how he externalized it once the first leg match that his team won 3-0 was completed, a result that gives him an important margin for what will be the return of Wednesday, April 16.
“We have only done half the job. They are the best in this competition and we will have to play even better than today to overcome the second part of this crossing. The Bernabéu is part of the history of the tournament. We are clear why we have won it today and now we have to go there and show it at the Bernabéu,” said the strategist of the Gunners.
However, his caution did not limit him to highlight the role played by his players in the first part of the series: “I am very proud, we have created an incredible atmosphere, we have had magical moments, and these moments decide”. And about Declan Rice, he pointed out: “Obviously there is the quality of the soccer player but behind this there are many hours of training as well”.
