Arsenal will overcome Real Madrid and reach the Champions League semi-final, as Rio Ferdinand believes Mikel Arteta’s side have “too much”.
The Gunners find themselves in a dream situation ahead of Wednesday’s showdown with the holders. A pair of stunning free-kicks from Declan Rice and an excellent finish from Mikel Merino means they hold a 3-0 lead from the first leg.
Taking into account Real Madrid have never overturned a three-goal deficit in a Champions League tie, according to Opta, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have just a four per cent chance of reaching the semi-final.
Those statistics might be enough to calm the nerves of many Arsenal supporters and Ferdinand is of the opinion that the north London outfit will score at least one to render the tie over.
Speaking on the on the latest episode of the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, he said: "If Madrid score first and there’s around half an hour to play… rah! My bum’s gonna be speaking for you lot [Arsenal]!
"I think Arsenal go through, trust me. I do. I think it’s going to be too much. Listen, I think Arsenal will go through. I think they’ve got too much.
"I think this Madrid team looked a bit disjointed the other day, the balance of the team and the squad hasn’t been right and they’ve been conceding goals left, right and centre.
"[Bukayo] Saka coming back was the big thing and it changed everything for Arsenal.
"If Saka is not there, I don’t think they would have won 3-0. But it is that and I think Arsenal are going to go through."
Arsenal fans will never forget these two 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘 free-kicks... 🤩💫#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/DatgM9KUtK
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) April 9, 2025
Though confident of Arsenal progression, Ferdinand has warned Arteta’s side about the Santiago Bernabeu factor having witnessed some special Champions League nights in the Spanish capital.
"I'm backing Arsenal to go through. If my life’s on the line now, I’m going Arsenal to go through, not a problem," he added.
"I’m just saying: that club Real Madrid is a mystic club. If Arsenal go behind it could be a different story.
"But I still think Arsenal will go through because they’re going to score."
