As James Horncastle said on the Euroleague podcast, there are heavyweights in the European game who still support Madrid, including AC Milan Alessandro Costakurta and Zvnimir Boban’s Champions League winner, former Madrid boss Fabio Capello.
“Something happens in football, and some of the other amazing things happen in the Bernabeu,” Horncastle said. “This Real Madrid side has been injured, defective and unbalanced.
“I wasn’t surprised when I was asked to predict who would reach the semifinals on Italian papers and on Italian television.
“It still says a lot about Madrid’s reputation that Arsenal doesn’t take for granted that advancement with the Bernabéu.”
However, the signs are good for Mikel Arteta’s clothes.
Arsenal’s victory was the 12th time in the first match of the Champions League knockout stage tied, with the English side winning with three or more goals, and every time the English side advances to the next round.
The gunners also have a good record when leading after the first leg of the Champions League knockout match.
Moreover, they remain unbeaten in two victories and draws against Real Madrid in the European competition, and have not recognized a single goal in three meetings.
