Ex-Real Madrid star Adepoju names 4 players to challenge Arsenal

Posted : 16 April 2025

Former Real Madrid player and retired Nigerian international, Mutiu Adepoju, has issued a warning to Arsenal regarding the UEFA Champions League, insisting that his former club still has a chance to reach the semifinals, despite their heavy 3-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium last week.

Arsenal delivered a dominant performance in London, leaving Real Madrid with a challenging task to overcome if they are to progress to the next round. The Gunners secured a comfortable win, thanks to two superb free-kicks from Declan Rice and a brilliant strike from Mikel Merino, all of which came in a blistering 17-minute period in the second half.

Although Real Madrid was overwhelmed by Arsenal’s attacking display, Adepoju remains hopeful that his former club can turn things around when they meet at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid on Wednesday night. He is confident that the Spanish giants have the potential to recover, even after such a heavy loss.

“Technically, they still have a chance to come back,” Adepoju told allnigeriasoccer.com. “They've done it many times before, but it won’t be easy because Arsenal are a strong team too. However, that doesn’t mean Real Madrid can’t make a comeback.”

Adepoju, who is Nigeria’s highest-scoring midfielder in La Liga history with 22 goals in 175 matches, emphasized the importance of key Real Madrid players such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Fede Valverde, and Rodrygo. He believes their performances could be pivotal in overturning the result.

“If Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Valverde, Rodrygo, and others can step up, I believe the Champions League will inspire them — especially since they’ll be playing at home,” Adepoju said. “The players always rise to the occasion when it matters most.”

In addition to the attention on Real Madrid, Nigerian duo Ethan Nwaneri and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji are expected to be named in Arsenal’s matchday squad for the clash with Real Madrid, having traveled with the team to Madrid on Tuesday.

Real Madrid has a strong record in the Champions League, having won their last seven quarterfinal encounters against English teams, which will likely give them confidence as they prepare for the crucial second-leg match at home.

Ex-Real Madrid star Adepoju names 4 players to challenge Arsenal

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