Champions League: Rio Ferdinand backs Arsenal to eliminate Real Madrid

Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand, has expressed confidence that Arsenal will advance to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League at the expense of Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The former England international shared his thoughts following Arsenal’s commanding 3-0 victory over Los Blancos in the first leg of their quarter-final clash at the Emirates Stadium last week.

With the return leg set for Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu, Ferdinand believes Mikel Arteta’s men are well-positioned to secure progression to the last four.

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Speaking on the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents, the ex-defender pointed to Real Madrid’s recent struggles as a key factor in Arsenal’s advantage.

“I think this Madrid team looked a bit disjointed the other day,” Ferdinand said. “The balance of the team and the squad has not been right and they have been conceding goals left, right and centre.”

He also praised Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, highlighting his return to the lineup as a game-changing moment in the tie.

“Saka coming back was the big thing and it changed everything for Arsenal,” Ferdinand noted. “If Saka was not there, I don’t think they would have won 3-0. But it is that, and I think Arsenal are going to go through.”

Arsenal warmed up for the second leg with a 1-1 draw against Brentford in the Premier League over the weekend, while Real Madrid edged Alaves 1-0 in LaLiga.

The decisive second leg at the Bernabeu promises a thrilling night of European football, with Arsenal seeking their first Champions League semi-final appearance since 2009.