Ferdinand also said Bukayo Saka’s return to action helped Arsenal to defeat Real Madrid in the first leg
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand has said English Premier League side, Arsenal will qualify for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-final ahead of La Liga giants, Real Madrid.
The United legend made the prediction while hosting the latest episode of the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.
Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter final played at the Emirates Stadium last week.
Mikel Arteta’s side will face the Los Blancos in the return leg on Wednesday at Santiago Bernabeu and many pundits have predicted that the Spanish side will turn things around.
Speaking ahead of the second leg, Ferdinand noted that Carlo Ancelotti’s side are disjointed, adding that Arsenal will progress to the last-4 stage of the European competition.
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He also argued that Bukayo Saka’s return to action, helped the Gunners to win the first leg of the Champions League quarter final.
“I think this Madrid team looked a bit disjointed the other day, the balance of the team and the squad has not been right and they have been conceding goals left, right and centre,” Ferdinand said.
He added, “[Bukayo] Saka coming back was the big thing and it changed everything for Arsenal.
“If Saka is not there, I don’t think they would have won 3-0. But it is that and I think Arsenal are going to go through.”.
Arsenal played a 1-1 draw with fellow London club, Brentford in the Premier League at the weekend ahead of the Real Madrid clash.
Meanwhile, Madrid defeated Alaves 1-0 in the La Liga to remain second behind Barcelona.
