Rafa Benitez, the former Chelsea and Liverpool manager, has weighed in on the upcoming Champions League quarter-final clash between Real Madrid and Arsenal, predicting a difficult challenge for the Spanish giants.
On Wednesday, April 16, Arsenal will travel to Madrid with a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg of the tie, leaving Real Madrid facing an uphill battle to overturn the deficit.
Benitez, who managed Real Madrid for a brief period in 2016, admitted that a comeback for Los Blancos will be no easy task.
“A comeback for Real Madrid vs Arsenal will be difficult because Arsenal are strong,” Benitez said.
“Although the Bernabéu is a different story, if Arsenal score, everything becomes more complicated. But deep down, I hope Real Madrid win and qualify.”
Benitez’s comments come from his vast experience in European competition, where he has managed some of the continent’s top clubs. Despite the daunting challenge, he remains optimistic about Real Madrid’s chances, particularly considering the atmosphere of their home ground, the Santiago Bernabéu.
Benitez’s stint with Real Madrid was brief, spanning just six months in 2016, before he was dismissed by president Florentino Pérez after managing 25 matches. Nonetheless, his insights into the club’s dynamics remain valuable to fans and pundits alike.
As the second leg approaches, all eyes will be on whether Real Madrid can defy the odds and mount a historic comeback against Arsenal, or whether the Gunners will hold firm and secure their place in the semi-finals.
