Arsenal star Bukayo Saka insists the “job’s not finished” against Real Madrid despite a commanding first leg Champions League quarter-final lead.
Declan Rice's two stunning free kicks and another goal from emergency striker Mikel Merino gave the Gunners an emphatic 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
It means Arsenal effectively have one foot in the Champions League semi-final, though they have been warned by both Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe that Real Madrid are more than capable of producing a comeback in the second leg.
A warning that Saka appears to have taken on board as he’s requested that Arsenal fans bring the same energy as they did at the Emirates when the side look to finish the job in the Santiago Bernabeu next week.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Saka wrote: “We asked and you gave us everything, thank you! Same energy in Madrid, job’s not finished!”
Saka made his first start since December against Madrid and was impressive throughout as he gave David Alaba torrid time.
The winger won the two free-kicks that Rice, superbly, put away but was forced to come off with around 15 minutes to go and was seen limping as he made his way to the bench.
Mikel Arteta, however, has downplayed any fresh injury concerns.
“He is fine, I think it was a kick on the free-kick action,” the Arsenal manager told Amazon Prime.
Already back to his best ⭐
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) April 8, 2025
High praise for Bukayo Saka from Cesc Fàbregas#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/ainUfWJjDp
Speaking in his press conference, Arteta added: “Bukayo after he got tackled on the foul, I think he had a knock and he had to go. It doesn’t look serious, no.”
Saka could be rested when Arsenal face Brentford at home this weekend as the London derby falls four days before the second leg in Madrid.
Ultimately the Gunners’ hopes of winning the Premier League title are very slip as they trail leaders Liverpool by 11 points with seven games remaining.
