Can Bukayo hit Real with Saka punch?

Mikel Arteta believes Bukayo Saka can tilt the balance of power in Arsenal’s favour in Tuesday’s “beautiful” Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid. 

Saka, 23, is in contention to feature against Real in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium after making two substitute appearances since returning from three months on the sidelines. He hasn’t appeared in Arsenal’s starting line-up since December 21 at Crystal Palace, but showed he has shaken off the rust by scoring in his first game back against Fulham last week and impressing in Saturday’s draw at Everton. 

Back from hamstring surgery

Gunners boss Arteta is confident the England forward, who needed surgery on a hamstring injury, can play a decisive role as Arsenal look to eliminate holders Real. “He’s in a much better place. Obviously, we have built that up. He played 30 minutes against Fulham and he’s played 49 against Everton and after that he will be in a much better place.” 

Also Read: MI vs RCB, IPL 2025 highlights: Krunal’s 4-fer, Kohli-Patidar`s batting blitz demolish MI at Wankhede

The Champions League is Arteta’s last chance to end his five-year trophy drought this season as Arsenal bid to win the tournament for the first time. Beaten by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals last season, Arsenal’s only Champions League final appearance ended in defeat against 
Barcelona in 2006. 

EPL runners-up for two years

Having finished as Premier League runners-up in 2023 and 2024, the Gunners are certain to miss the title again. Leaders Liverpool are 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal after Arteta’s men were held by Everton recently. With that in mind, Arteta made five changes against Everton to keep his stars fresh for this Real Madrid  showdown. 

Arteta is relishing the opportunity to pit his wits against Ancelotti’s 15-time European champions: “One of the most beautiful games that you can play in football, in the highest European competition, against the team that has dominated that competition in the last 20-25 years. So, yeah, really looking forward to it.”

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever