In the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final between Arsenal and Real Madrid, one area where Mikel Arteta’s side completely trounced Carlo Ancelotti and Co was in the middle of the park.
Declan Rice stunned Jude Bellingham against Real Madrid by scoring two free-kicks and perhaps as importantly, dominating the midfield battle in the Gunners’ eventual 3-0 victory.
While Myles Lewis-Skelly was incredible against Real Madrid as well and helped the Gunners dominate proceedings.
The likes of Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham had no answers, both on and off the ball to go toe-to-toe with the hosts at the Emirates Stadium.
Real Madrid might have missed a midfielder like Dani Ceballos, who was ruled out through injury against Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final.
Real Madrid Dani Ceballos could return from injury vs Arsenal
Since returning to Real Madrid from his two-season loan spell at Arsenal, Ceballos has become a useful squad player in the Spanish capital.
Mikel Arteta lauded Ceballos at Arsenal and he has the blend of technical security and athleticism to help Real Madrid out in the second leg of the Champions League final as they trail by three goals after Tuesday’s encounter.
Journalist Guillermo Rai has revealed that Real Madrid star Dani Ceballos could now be fit to play against Arsenal.
The former Real Betis technician is set to train with Carlo Ancelotti’s side in preparation for Sunday’s clash against Leganes.
Why Dani Ceballos’ potential return could be bad news for Arsenal
Real Madrid’s chances of a comeback against Arsenal seem slim, despite them scoring four goals eight times as Mikel Arteta’s defence has not shipped as many goals in a single game this season. However, the 28-year-old’s potential return is not ideal for the North Londoners either.
Real Madrid’s weak link against Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final was Luka Modric, who turns 40 later this year and in Ceballos as a possible replacement, Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield could have an injection of energy and athleticism that was sorely missing in both sides’ previous meeting.
With Ceballos having a point to prove against Arsenal in the second leg as his spell in the Premier League was rather disappointing, he will be fired up to have the game of his life for Real Madrid in the second leg.
