Champions League: Arsenal players drawing on Mikel Merino's experience of Real Madrid

With the first leg set for April 8 at the Emirates, the stakes couldn't be higher for Arsenal as they face a club with a legacy of triumphs on the continent.

Real, who have claimed the prestigious trophy 15 times, are no strangers to overcoming adversity. Their road to the quarter-finals was anything but smooth, as they finished outside the top 10 in the group stage before facing off against Manchester City in a nerve-wracking play-off. Despite a comfortable victory over the Premier League champions, Los Blancos found themselves in a dogfight against Atletico Madrid, where a dramatic penalty shootout sealed their spot in the next round.

In contrast, Arsenal's journey has been more straightforward. Dominating PSV Eindhoven with an impressive 9-3 aggregate scoreline, they enter the quarter-finals full of confidence, yet aware of the massive challenge that awaits.

Merino, who has been back in Spain during the international break, revealed that his Arsenal teammates have been curious about the notorious atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu ahead of their second-leg encounter on April 16. "They keep asking me about the intensity of the atmosphere at Real Madrid's home ground," said Merino in a recent interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero. "Their history of dramatic comebacks in the Champions League is legendary. It's not something you can ignore."

The midfielder acknowledged the daunting aura surrounding the 14-time European champions, citing their rich history and ability to turn games around in front of their passionate home fans. "When you've witnessed the success they've had, it's impossible to overlook the power they possess in those moments," Merino added.

While many pundits are tipping Real Madrid as the favourites, Merino remained diplomatic about the tie. "In the Champions League, it's hard to call the favourites," he said. "It often comes down to small moments, individual brilliance, and who can manage the pressure the best."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been working relentlessly with his squad, emphasizing the need for focus and determination throughout the two-legged encounter. "Every minute of the tie will matter," Arteta said in a recent training session. "We need to remain disciplined, avoid mistakes, and seize every opportunity. The game will be decided in the final third, where individual moments of magic will prove crucial."

Arteta also stressed the importance of creating a "special atmosphere" at the Emirates for the first leg, knowing full well the impact that can have on the opposition. "Our supporters will be vital," he said. "The energy they bring will be key to inspiring us and making sure we give our all."

Before their Champions League showdown, Arsenal's focus shifts back to the Premier League, where they face a crucial home clash with Fulham followed by a trip to Everton. With the Gunners trailing Liverpool by 12 points in the title race, the pressure is on to secure victories in their domestic fixtures. However, it's the European stage that's taking centre stage, with Arsenal's ambitions of reaching the Champions League semi-finals at the forefront of their minds.

As the countdown to April begins, all eyes will be on whether Arsenal can rise to the occasion and take down the mighty Real Madrid.

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