Mikel Merino Reveals Real Reason Why Arsenal Will Beat PSG Away From Home

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has declared that his side is more than ready to complete a comeback against Paris Saint-Germain and book their place in the UEFA Champions League final. The Spaniard’s bold comments come in the wake of Arsenal’s narrow first-leg defeat at the Emirates Stadium — a result that has left the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg in Paris.

Speaking to The Standard, Merino pointed to Arsenal’s landmark victory at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier in the season as proof that Mikel Arteta’s side has the mentality and ability to win in the toughest environments. “Those experiences are massive for us to prove we can win anywhere — the Bernabéu, against any side in the Premier League as well — it gives us a lot of confidence,” said Merino.

That belief, according to the 28-year-old, will carry Arsenal through a daunting trip to the Parc des Princes. While acknowledging PSG’s strengths and the challenge that awaits, Merino insisted that the Gunners will step onto the pitch in Paris with full belief in their ability to come out on top.

“Paris is a tough place to go but still we have proved always that we can compete against anybody and, with all due respect to anybody, I think we are going to win the second leg,” he declared.

Arsenal will need a near-perfect performance if they are to overturn the deficit and reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006. PSG’s front line remains one of the most feared in Europe, but Merino believes Arsenal’s tactical discipline and determination give them a fighting chance.

“Why am I optimistic? Okay, based on what I have seen tonight, I think you have seen a team that can compete against a huge side like Paris,” he said, referring to the first leg in London.

Merino also highlighted how Arsenal were able to play through PSG’s high press and generate chances despite the French side’s dominance in possession. “I don’t know if you saw Paris in the whole season but they are a really dominant team, they want to keep everybody on their own box and we managed to play a lot, we created big chances.”

His closing remarks are likely to stir the emotions of Arsenal fans everywhere, as he passionately spoke about the team’s never-say-die attitude. “This team, you never can give up on us because I think we proved that we always going to fight until the end, so I think we have the technical quality and most important we have the motivation to go to the second leg and win this for our fans and for ourselves.”

With words like that, Merino has not only fuelled optimism within the Arsenal camp but has also ignited belief among the supporters that this European journey is far from over.