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Benitez Predicts Difficult Comeback for Real Madrid Against Arsenal

Former Chelsea and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has predicted that Real Madrid will face a tough challenge in their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal.

The Gunners head to Spain with a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal Thrash Real Madrid 3–0 in Champions League Quarterfinal First Leg Arsenal put on a stunning display at the Emirates Stadium, beating Real Madrid 3–0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie. After a quiet first half with no goals, the Gunners came alive in the second half. Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a brilliant free kick, curling the ball around the wall and past Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Just 12 minutes later, Rice struck again with another amazing free kick, this time from a different angle. He found the top right corner, giving Courtois no chance and doubling Arsenal’s lead. The home crowd erupted once more in the 75th minute, as Mikel Merino added a third goal to seal a dominant win for Arsenal. Strong Advantage for Second Leg The result gives Arsenal a strong three-goal advantage ahead of the return match at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid next week. It was a night to remember for Mikel Arteta’s side, who completely outplayed the current European champions. Real Madrid have now conceded 11 goals in their last four matches and are going through a difficult period. Arsenal, meanwhile, are still unbeaten against Real Madrid in all their meetings. Remarkably, the Spanish giants have never scored a goal against the Gunners in three matches. Declan Rice’s brilliant performance earned him the Man of the Match award, and his two goals also made Champions League history — he became the first player ever to score two direct free kicks in a knockout stage match. With confidence high and a big lead in hand, Arsenal now head to Spain looking to finish the job and reach the semi-finals.

Benitez believes a comeback for the La Liga champions will be “difficult” due to Arsenal’s strong form. He said:

“A comeback for Real Madrid against Arsenal will be difficult because Arsenal are strong.
Although the Bernabéu is a different environment, if Arsenal score, it will make things even harder.”

ENDRICK IN REAL MADRID

Despite the challenge, Benitez admitted that he is still hopeful for Madrid’s chances:

“But deep down, I hope Real Madrid win and qualify.”

Benitez managed Real Madrid for a short spell in 2016, taking charge from January to July. He oversaw just 25 games before being dismissed by club president Florentino Pérez.

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