-Saka, Arteta, Ancelotti, others reveal
By ISAAC DANIEL
The reigning Champions league holders Real Madrid of Spain was soundly beaten again by 2-1 in the second leg of the Champions league quarter finals match played at night.
The visiting Arsenal, unbelievably thrashed Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate, to advance to the semi finals.
Arsenal ‘talisman’ Bukayo Saka who earlier missed a penalty, opened scores for the Gunners in the extra time of the game after Mbappe goal’s ruled out in the first half. The host team were out played before the penalty was saved, after Mbappe scored what would have been the opener for Madrid.
However, Real Madrid tried their best, even made strategic changes, but the couldn’t march the pace, power and skills of the visitors. It was very obvious that Arsenal came to Spain to win from the highly determined way they played with confidence. At the end the day, they walked away with a deserved 1-2. Arsenal won by 1-5 aggregate. In the other matches,
Inter Milan had a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich. Milan qualifed on aggregate of 4-3, having won the first leg in Germany.
Revealing factors which contributed to the Madrid’s defeat in a press interview, Madrid’s Lucas Vázquez said: “Arsenal came to defend. They did practically nothing in the first half.”
“We did not get the chances we would have liked. The team has tried, Real Madrid will be back. The season is far from over.”
“Just as we are all responsible when we win, we are also responsible when we lose. This is football. Madridistas know that we always give our all. Things may go well or badly, but we always take responsibility.”
“With Bukayo, he stepped up. He didn’t score [the penalty] and it could have been a turning point. The way he handled the situation, the personality he showed, at his age, in this stadium. Incredible.”
In his post match interview Bukayo Saka said: “I tried something (penalty miss) and it didn’t work. I was confident I was going to score tonight. I kept my head and managed to do it in the second half.”
Saka on knocking out Real: “We showed that we can play in Europe and beat one of the best teams in the world, home and away. Very proud of this team. Tonight was a big statement and I am so happy for everyone”.
Arteta added: “One of the best nights in my football career. We played against a team with the biggest history. It has been an inspiration for all of us on this competition. To be able to win the tie in the manner we have done – I think we have to be very proud of ourselves”
Manchester United former star defender, Rio Ferdinand explained on why Arsenal won: “I don’t think I have seen a full back look as confident as Jurrien Timber facing Vinicius Jnr one on one.
Arteta on the game further revealed: “Yeah I can talk to him, he has been decisive in the tie. The composure with and without the ball. It turns the game in our favour. You need players to step up in this level.” Arteta on the feelings from the win: “My wife, my children, my family. I know how they have been, having listened to what could happen. They are very proud. The players, to see them, to feel they are able and they do it. There is no better reward for a coach. The fans are very proud of the team.” “Well it is reassuring. I am here to experience these games and to go through them. Be very critical with yourself tonight.”
Arteta on the Bernabeu factor: “It is the first time I have sat on that bench and this stadium has the capacity for anything to happen.”
Arteta on Merino: “We hadn’t thought about it, he’s great. He has given something this team didn’t have. The capacity to be at spaces, the arrivals. The capacity he showed, he deserves great credit.”
Arteta on Saka penalty: “I can go on individuals. He stepped up, he didn’t score it could be a turning point in but the players did well.”
Arteta on the belief: “A big credit to them and today I realised after three minutes anything is possible. To create a chaos, a belief an uncertainty how we control it.”
Real Madrid’s coach Ancelotti said: “Arsenal have been better than us. “We tried to do our best. Maybe the overturned penalty was a turning point. That could have changed it. “But Arsenal defended very well. We found it difficult to find spaces.
“We were better than normal in our intensity level but it wasn’t enough.”
