Mikel Merino: ‘We’re really confident ahead of the second leg’ More on Tribuna.com: https://tribuna.com/en/news/2025-04-30-mikel-merino-were-really-confident-ahead-of-the-second-leg/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=tanc&utm_campaign=afcen?utm_source=copy

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino is already anticipating the second leg of his team’s Champions League semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain, even though they are currently behind on aggregate following a narrow loss in the first leg.

The Spanish international commented on his team’s display, in which they fell 1-0 to PSG after an early strike by Ousmane Dembélé. Nonetheless, Merino remains hopeful about his side’s prospects going into the upcoming match in Paris.

“It was a tough game,” he remarked. “Every minute counts, and in the first 10-15 minutes maybe we didn’t perform at the level we are used to, but I think the team recovered really well from the goal. We showed a lot of character and personality, and we almost dominated the rest of the game.”

Merino also emphasized the squad’s belief, saying, “We know we have a really good team, a powerful team, and we are really confident that we’re going to win the second leg. I think people are optimistic. We know that what we showed today is just the beginning of what we are, and obviously really confident, really full of power for the second leg.”

He underlined the team’s self-assurance in their ability to face any opponent: “I think what we’ll learn is that we are able to dominate any team, anywhere. This is a team that really wants to be the ball the whole time, really wants to keep you in your box. Today we proved that we can play against anyone and be the main team on the pitch. Today showed us that we are really capable of performing anywhere. We can’t wait to go to Paris.”

Merino believed he had netted an equaliser in the second half with a header from a Declan Rice free-kick, but VAR overturned the goal due to offside. Though let down by the ruling, Merino stays optimistic that fortune may turn their way in the second leg.

Reflecting on the disallowed strike, he commented: “It was tough, but those are the margins that we manage in these kinds of games. This is elite football, and a few centimetres can determine your future. So, hopefully in the second leg, those 10 centimetres can go to our side.”

Merino’s upbeat attitude and resolve reflect a team prepared to face the decisive battle at the Parc des Princes.

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