Mikel Merino reveals key factor fuelling Arsenal’s belief ahead of PSG showdown

Gidibam Web3 weeks ago

0 0 2 minutes read

Image credit: Getty Images

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino insists the Gunners are full of belief as they prepare to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Parc des Princes.

Arsenal face a tough task in Paris next week after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat in the first leg at Emirates Stadium, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring the only goal on Tuesday night. Mikel Arteta’s side now aim to become just the third team in Champions League history to reach the final after losing the opening leg of a semi-final at home.

Despite the setback, Merino says the squad is undeterred, drawing confidence from their recent 2-1 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier this month.

“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,” Merino said. “Paris is a tough place to go, but we’ve shown we can compete with anyone. With all due respect to PSG, I think we are going to win the second leg.”

READ MORE: Arsenal receive huge injury boost as world-class player nears return ahead of Bournemouth clash

Merino was encouraged by Arsenal’s performance in the first leg, where they pushed back after a dominant start from PSG and created several chances. Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into key saves to deny Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, while Merino himself had a goal disallowed for offside.

***Mikel Merino scored against PSG, but his goal was ruled out for offside (Image credit: Getty Images)***

“I think you saw a team that can compete against a huge side like Paris,” he added. “They’re a dominant team, they press hard, but we managed to create big chances. This team never gives up. We have the technical quality and, more importantly, the motivation to go and win this for our fans and for ourselves.”

PSG, who have already lost twice at home in the Champions League this season, have looked vulnerable at times during their European run. Merino believes Arsenal’s mindset won’t change heading into the return leg.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

“This defeat changes nothing. Our mentality is always to win – whether we’re three up or one down,” he said. “We’re going to Paris with our standards, our basics, and the belief we can win.”

The team believes. I believe. We can do it. pic.twitter.com/C0ixLL0lSo

— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) April 30, 2025

The midfielder admitted the dressing room was disappointed with the result on Tuesday night but said the focus quickly shifted to preparing for the second leg.

“Of course we were disappointed – especially in front of our fans,” Merino said. “But immediately, the mood turned to being positive, learning from today, and getting ready. We’re our biggest critics. No one wants us to win more than we do. The pressure we put on ourselves every day to improve is huge.”

With the tie finely poised, Mikel Merino says Arsenal are determined to channel that pressure into performance and make history in Paris.

“We want to be proud of what we’re doing. We want to make our fans proud. That’s why we’re going into the second leg with all the energy in the world.”