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Spanish media deliver Mikel Merino verdict after Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss vs Arsenal in the Champions League

Srinivas Sadhanand

Thu 17 April 2025 13:15, UK

Mikel Merino has every reason to pat himself on the back after Arsenal’s 2-1 win against Real Madrid to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Ahead of the tie, Arsenal fans would have been extremely worried about the prospect of the former Real Sociedad midfielder leading the line against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

But Mikel Merino reassured Arsenal supporters by doing his talking on the pitch across both legs against Real Madrid as he scored a goal and provided two assists.

As Merino shone against Real Madrid, the Spanish media had no choice but to laud the Arsenal dynamo’s latest showing.

Spanish media praise Mikel Merino after Real Madrid vs Arsenal

heaped praise on Merino’s display as a makeshift striker against Real Madrid, reviewing the Arsenal star’s showing by simply writing: “Arsenal’s Spanish player, who is taking center stage as a false number 9 under Mikel Arteta had a tremendous performance on Wednesday.”

Merino revealed Mikel Arteta trained Arsenal mentally to face Real Madrid and their resilience throughout both clashes was evident, with claiming the Gunners could not have won without the 28-year-old’s presence: “The English side’s triumph cannot be understood without manager Arteta nor without the participation of current number nine, Mikel Merino, who had already scored in the first leg.”

“But this time provided two magical assists for [Bukayo] Saka and [Gabriel] Martinelli to win the match.”

Even Spanish journalist Toni Juanmarti was full of praise for the European Championship winner and Mikel Arteta’s influence on his development: “Mikel Merino, what a player. He knew what Arteta was doing. Very complete.”

The journalist added that Barcelona were keen on Merino’s signature: “Barca wanted him at the beginning of the summer but the arrival of a midfielder was later ruled out.”

Comparing Mikel Merino’s stats to Real Madrid’s front three

Since making his way to the Emirates Stadium, the man born in Pamplona has had his fair share of doubters.

Paul Merson questioned Merino as a number nine and was baffled by why Mikel Arteta chose to deploy him up.

Cut to the present and Arteta’s ingenuity has worked wonders as Merino starred against Real Madrid, especially in the second leg — especially when comparing Arsenal star’s stats to the opposition’s front three featuring Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo Goes.

First and foremost, Merino grabbed two goal involvements, more than all the three big-hitters for Los Blancos.

In terms of creating chances on the night and winning duels as well, the ex-Newcastle United man was only bettered by Vinicius (three and 11 respectively).

But just by watching Merino in action, he outperformed the trio and proved why he belongs on the big stage.