‘We all know the history' – Former Barcelona manager backs Real Madrid to stun Arsenal in second leg
'We all know the history' – Former Barcelona manager backs Real Madrid to stun Arsenal in second leg
'We all know the history' – Former Barcelona manager backs Real Madrid to stun Arsenal in second leg
Former Barcelona manager and current Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has reflected on Real Madrid's unexpected 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League.
Despite the heavy setback, Koeman made it clear that if any club can pull off a dramatic turnaround, it is Madrid, even if the task ahead is daunting.
Advertisement
Koeman, who has experienced the intensity of European nights with both Barcelona and the Netherlands, expressed his belief that Real Madrid is still very much alive in the tie.
He admitted that Arsenal were the stronger side on the night, but he remains confident in Madrid's ability to improve and fight back.
'If there is a team that can overturn a result like that, it's Madrid,' Koeman said.
'They need to improve, yes, but Madrid has always shown that they can rise to the occasion, especially in the Champions League.
'Arsenal were far superior on that night, but we all know Madrid's history. They have the quality to come back,' he said.
No advise for Arsenal
Real Madrid were beating 3-0 by Arsenal. (Photo by)
Koeman also emphasized the importance of Real Madrid's experience in high-stakes situations, especially under Carlo Ancelotti, who has masterminded several memorable comebacks in his career.
Advertisement
Madrid's pedigree in the competition, combined with their squad depth and determination, gives them a fighting chance.
While Koeman refrained from offering tactical advice to Mikel Arteta, he hinted that Arsenal should be wary of Real Madrid's fighting spirit.
Arsenal may have been dominant in the first leg, but Koeman knows better than anyone that Real Madrid can flip the script in an instant, especially when playing at home in the intimidating atmosphere of the Santiago Bernabéu.
'Arsenal must play their game,' Koeman stated. 'But Madrid has the experience and the talent to make a comeback. The quality is there, and they have shown it countless times in the past.'
As the second leg approaches, Koeman's words are a reminder of Real Madrid's unrivaled ability to perform when it matters most.
Their pedigree in the Champions League means that, despite the uphill battle, no one should write them off just yet.
Source: AS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
San Francisco Chronicle
an hour ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Kane saves England from embarrassment against Andorra in World Cup qualifying
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — England needed a second-half goal from Harry Kane to secure a 1-0 win over lowly Andorra and maintain a perfect record under Thomas Tuchel after three World Cup qualifiers on Saturday. England was held scoreless by a team ranked 173rd in the world until Kane redirected a pass from Noni Madueke into the top of the net in the 50th minute after the Bayern Munich striker's initial effort was saved by goalkeeper Iker Álvarez. 'We need to be better for sure,' Kane said. 'It's not one that many will remember, and we had good spells, but we take the three points and move on.' It was goal No. 72 in his 106th appearance for the Three Lions. Tuchel's side remained top of Europe's Group K with nine points after wins against Albania and Latvia. They have yet to concede a goal under the German coach. Andorra remained winless but managed to frustrate England's stars for most of the game with its five-man defensive line. Ezri Konsa had to block a late shot by Andorra's Guillaume Lopez to prevent the chance of an equalizer. 'We kept giving it away and that gave them a bit of confidence and energy,' Kane said. "At 1-0 with five to 10 minutes to go you have to be careful.' England dominated possession and Eberechi Eze went close to a second goal when he forced Álvarez to tip his header of the bar as the visitors couldn't extend the lead. England had won its previous six meetings with Andorra by a combined score of 25-0. The game was played at Espanyol's stadium in Barcelona, nearly three hours south of the Pyrenees principality — which has a population of around 80,000 — due to concerns that work on Andorra's home stadium wouldn't be finished in time. Only the group winners qualify directly for next year's tournament in North America. The second-placed teams go into a playoffs. Europe will have 16 teams in the expanded 48-team field for the World Cup. The group stage of European qualifying runs through November. Veteran Dzeko scores for Bosnia A goal from 39-year-old Edin Dzeko gave Bosnia and Herzegovina a 1-0 win over San Marino. Lithuania was held 0-0 at Malta in Group G. ___
Fox Sports
an hour ago
- Fox Sports
Kane saves England from embarrassment against Andorra in World Cup qualifying
Associated Press BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — England needed a second-half goal from Harry Kane to secure a 1-0 win over lowly Andorra and maintain a perfect record under Thomas Tuchel after three World Cup qualifiers on Saturday. England was held scoreless by a team ranked 173rd in the world until Kane redirected a pass from Noni Madueke into the top of the net in the 50th minute after the Bayern Munich striker's initial effort was saved by goalkeeper Iker Alvarez. 'We need to be better for sure,' Kane said. 'It's not one that many will remember, and we had good spells, but we take the three points and move on.' It was goal No. 72 in his 106th appearance for the Three Lions. Tuchel's side remained top of Europe's Group K with nine points after wins against Albania and Latvia. They have yet to concede a goal under the German coach. Andorra remained winless but managed to frustrate England's stars for most of the game with its five-man defensive line. Ezri Konsa had to block a late shot by Andorra's Guillaume Lopez to prevent the chance of an equalizer. 'We kept giving it away and that gave them a bit of confidence and energy,' Kane said. "At 1-0 with five to 10 minutes to go you have to be careful.' England dominated possession and Eberechi Eze went close to a second goal when he forced Álvarez to tip his header of the bar as the visitors couldn't extend the lead. England had won its previous six meetings with Andorra by a combined score of 25-0. The game was played at Espanyol's stadium in Barcelona, nearly three hours south of the Pyrenees principality — which has a population of around 80,000 — due to concerns that work on Andorra's home stadium wouldn't be finished in time. Only the group winners qualify directly for next year's tournament in North America. The second-placed teams go into a playoffs. Europe will have 16 teams in the expanded 48-team field for the World Cup. The group stage of European qualifying runs through November. England will next host Senegal in a friendly on Tuesday. Veteran Dzeko scores for Bosnia A goal from 39-year-old Edin Dzeko gave Bosnia and Herzegovina a 1-0 win over San Marino. The Balkan republic leads Group H with three wins, while San Marino is bottom with zero points. Lithuania was held 0-0 at Malta in Group G. ___ AP soccer: recommended
Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Kane saves England from embarrassment against Andorra in World Cup qualifying
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — England needed a second-half goal from Harry Kane to secure a 1-0 win over lowly Andorra and maintain a perfect record under Thomas Tuchel after three World Cup qualifiers on Saturday. England was held scoreless by a team ranked 173rd in the world until Kane redirected a pass from Noni Madueke into the top of the net in the 50th minute after the Bayern Munich striker's initial effort was saved by goalkeeper Iker Álvarez. 'We need to be better for sure,' Kane said. 'It's not one that many will remember, and we had good spells, but we take the three points and move on.' It was goal No. 72 in his 106th appearance for the Three Lions. Tuchel's side remained top of Europe's Group K with nine points after wins against Albania and Latvia. They have yet to concede a goal under the German coach. Andorra remained winless but managed to frustrate England's stars for most of the game with its five-man defensive line. Ezri Konsa had to block a late shot by Andorra's Guillaume Lopez to prevent the chance of an equalizer. 'We kept giving it away and that gave them a bit of confidence and energy,' Kane said. 'At 1-0 with five to 10 minutes to go you have to be careful.' England dominated possession and Eberechi Eze went close to a second goal when he forced Álvarez to tip his header of the bar as the visitors couldn't extend the lead. England had won its previous six meetings with Andorra by a combined score of 25-0. The game was played at Espanyol's stadium in Barcelona, nearly three hours south of the Pyrenees principality — which has a population of around 80,000 — due to concerns that work on Andorra's home stadium wouldn't be finished in time. Only the group winners qualify directly for next year's tournament in North America. The second-placed teams go into a playoffs. Europe will have 16 teams in the expanded 48-team field for the World Cup. The group stage of European qualifying runs through November. England will next host Senegal in a friendly on Tuesday. Veteran Dzeko scores for Bosnia A goal from 39-year-old Edin Dzeko gave Bosnia and Herzegovina a 1-0 win over San Marino. The Balkan republic leads Group H with three wins, while San Marino is bottom with zero points. Lithuania was held 0-0 at Malta in Group G. ___ AP soccer:
