Toni Kroos believes Arsenal’s lack of Champions League pedigree could play into Real Madrid’s hands as they look to stage another dramatic European comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night.
The Gunners take a strong advantage into the second leg of their quarter-final tie, having overwhelmed Madrid during a commanding second-half display at the Emirates Stadium last week. But the Spanish giants are no strangers to adversity in Europe — and Kroos, who recently hung up his boots, thinks the pressure of the occasion might shift the momentum.
Speaking on Einfach mal Luppen, Kroos said:
“The emotional factor will be a huge decider against Arsenal.”
Arsenal’s modern Champions League record lends weight to his point. They haven’t gone beyond the last eight since 2009, and their campaign last season ended in disappointment against Bayern Munich, who comfortably dispatched them in the second leg.
By contrast, Los Blancos have made a habit of pulling off iconic comebacks in recent seasons — with unforgettable turnarounds against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City en route to their 2022 Champions League title.
With the atmosphere of the Bernabeu, the weight of European history, and the experience in Real’s squad, an early goal could change everything — and Kroos clearly believes Arsenal’s inexperience at this stage could be their undoing.