Aaron Ramsdale highlights key battle that could decide Arsenal v PSG Champions League clash
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has backed his old side to go all the way in the UEFA Champions League and believes Bukayo Saka’s duel with PSG’s Nuno Mendes will be crucial in determining the outcome of their upcoming semi-final tie.
The Gunners stormed into the last four of the competition with a commanding 5-1 aggregate win over reigning champions Real Madrid. Declan Rice was the standout performer in the first leg, netting two stunning free-kicks before Mikel Merino added a third with a spectacular strike to give Arsenal a healthy lead at the Emirates.
In the return leg at the Bernabeu, Arsenal maintained their dominance as Saka and Gabriel Martinelli found the net either side of a consolation goal from Vinicius Junior, sealing a semi-final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.
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Arsenal will take confidence from their previous meeting with the French champions this season — a 2-0 victory during the league phase thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Saka. That encounter also took place at the Emirates, where the first leg of the semi-final will again be staged next Tuesday.
Bukayo Saka against PSG’s Nuno Mendes (Image credit: Getty Images)Speaking about Arsenal’s Champions League chances, Ramsdale expressed strong confidence in the team’s prospects. “Huge,” he said when asked to rate their chances. “I think every Arsenal fan and the players definitely backed themselves against Real Madrid and they showed what they can do. They’ve already beaten PSG, so that will give them great confidence.
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“I know two-legged ties can be tricky, but if they get through this, I think they’ll be the favourites to win it.”
Saka’s form since returning from hamstring surgery has been encouraging, and Ramsdale believes his battle with PSG left-back Nuno Mendes could define the tie. “He’s the main man really,” Ramsdale said of Saka. “They’ve had key injuries, and though he’s been out for a while himself, he’s still delivering top performances.
“The Mendes vs Bukayo battle will be crucial, but I fully back Bukayo to come out on top and help push Arsenal through.”
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