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Daily Arsenal - S1 - E137: Real Madrid preview as the Semis are a step closer…
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In this episode we will be looking ahead to most probably our biggest match so far this season as we hold a 3-0 agg lead against Real Madrid as we face up against them at the Bernabeu as well as looking at the other results from the UCL Quarter Finals! Now if you want to get involved with any of our topics discussed please do get involved through our social media, which can be found in our show notes in the description.
Host: Jamie Patterson
Guest: Craig Matthews
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Transcript
Introduction and Game Preview
00:00:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everyone and welcome to the Daily Arsenal podcast, the only place to catch your daily fix of Arsenal where we eat, sleep and repeat talking all things Arsenal, brought to you on the GSPN Podcast Network.
00:00:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm your host Jamie Patterson and as always i am joined by my but Mr Football Knowledge, our football encyclopedia, Mr Craig Matthews. Craig, how are you feeling mate?
00:00:37
Craig matthews
I'm happy man. I'm good on this today man. Looking forward to the game tomorrow. So yeah, I'm happy.
00:00:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely.
Champions League Excitement
00:00:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
we've ah We're currently recording on a Tuesday night as, wow, we have been treated to some cracking Champions League games, which we will discuss further on in the show a little bit later on.
00:00:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
In this episode, we will be looking ahead to most probably our biggest match and our tetas match. Biggest match so far this season as we hold a 3-0 aggregate lead.
00:01:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
let's let let's just Let's just take a moment to take that in. 3-0 aggregate lead as we come up against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
00:01:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I mean, this is going to be huge for us. Absolutely huge. So guys... If you want to get involved with any of the topics discussed, please do get involved through our social media, which can be found in our show notes in the description.
Memories of Arsenal's Victory
00:01:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, Craig, let's cast your mind back to this time last week. On a Tuesday night, Arsenal 3, Real Madrid 0.
00:01:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
no The emotions were just raw, They were all over the place. We were full of joy and we couldn't believe what we'd witnessed. I must ask, have you been, do you do you still watch the Declan Rice free kicks?
00:02:12
Craig matthews
I've watching it all week. I've been watching it all week. I've been trying to practice it at football now, watching the technique and everything. I haven't
00:02:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just out of curiosity, have you, have you cracked it at football?
00:02:27
Craig matthews
taken a free kick yet, so I'm still waiting for my chance to take one.
00:02:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ah. Right, Gaffer. Gaffer, if you're listening, you need to get Craig Matthews on the free kicks here because he will produce Declan Rice's world-class duties.
00:02:38
Craig matthews
um ah
00:02:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, listen, if you're listening, get him on the free kicks.
Key Player Performances
00:02:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
We need this to happen.
00:02:45
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:02:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we need it captured on camera.
00:02:48
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:02:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
We need it captured on camera.
00:02:49
Craig matthews
I'll make sure.
00:02:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
LAUGHTER
00:02:50
Craig matthews
I'll make sure I'll make sure get attached on camera.
00:02:54
Craig matthews
Oh, man.
00:02:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
but Oh, my goodness me. I mean, it is so good. It's just, you know, this time last week, we we we just couldn't believe it, could we?
00:03:05
Craig matthews
No.
00:03:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
we just We were all in utter shock at how well we played because that foot that that first leg, we really did keep Madrid quiet.
00:03:17
Craig matthews
We did. We did.
00:03:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I mean, apart from what, maybe Kivior? Apart from maybe the odd, like, I think there was two chances where it was a little bit shaky.
00:03:22
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:03:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, I mean, at the end of the day, credit due, Kivior played pretty well alongside everyone else.
00:03:31
Craig matthews
Hmm.
Second Leg Anticipation
00:03:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Kept Mbappe quiet. But my question is, though, Craig, as we as we go into this second leg now...
00:03:43
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:03:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
How are you feeling? How are you feeling ahead of this second leg, first of all?
00:03:51
Craig matthews
I'm feeling confident and nervous at the same time. I don't know if you've ever been that feeling before. You're feeling confident on one and feeling nervous on the other side because Rowan teams are still European champions. They've won the Champions League most times. They've won it so many times and they're at home.
00:04:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:03
Craig matthews
But if we stick to our game plan, hit them on the counter attack because they have to attack. They to score four goals to win the game. I don't see us conceding four goals tomorrow, honestly. I feel that it would have to be a defensive...
00:04:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, there'd have to be like a defensive error or something where you would need to...
00:04:19
Craig matthews
defensive massive made yeah yeah so yeah
00:04:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I get what you're saying. It would need to be one of them things where, for us, we've got to stick to the game plan.
Arsenal's Strategy and Defense
00:04:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
What I would do is i would maybe try and go for one more goal, but I'd be really cautious
00:04:41
Craig matthews
so
00:04:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'd be really, really cautious. I think if we were to get one goal at the Bernabeu and just try and shut up shop, I just don't see how that can't work.
00:04:58
Craig matthews
We can work. We can defend. we can be We're very good at defending as well. very If you look at our stats this season, to be fair, in the Champions League, we haven't seen lot of goals in the Champions League.
00:05:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, we haven't actually. we We've actually got a really good defensive record. I think we've only conceded four
00:05:17
Craig matthews
Three goals, three or four goals.
00:05:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
three goals.
00:05:19
Craig matthews
Three or four goals in the season.
00:05:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think we conceded... Let's run it through quickly. So we've conceded against...
00:05:27
Craig matthews
Inter, Toronto, PSV.
00:05:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:05:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:05:32
Craig matthews
I think we'll see it's four goals.
00:05:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:05:36
Craig matthews
think it's four.
00:05:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
it into Girona
00:05:37
Craig matthews
Because we see the one against Inter, the one against Toronto. Swim against PSV, but that's both legs. We considered in the home leg. No, there is... Hold on. Yeah, we considered two goals in the home leg.
00:05:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah that was it like four goals ah do you know i would love to know if you've got the stat for it I mean do you know how many goals Real Madrid have conceded in the tournament laughing laughing laughing
00:05:50
Craig matthews
So it was 2-2. So that's four goals to consider the Champions League this season. Yeah.
00:06:01
Craig matthews
Too many. but Too many. Too many. No, they considered a lot of goals. think... They lost... They lost... They lost some games this season in the Champions League.
00:06:12
Craig matthews
They lost a lot of games.
00:06:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
I believe, did they not lose to Monaco 1-0 or something?
00:06:18
Craig matthews
They lost to Monaco. I think they lost to City in the first...
00:06:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:22
Craig matthews
They lost in the first level of City. They lost some games the Champions League. They lost
Real Madrid's Form Analysis
00:06:26
Craig matthews
against... Was it AC Milan beat them? lovely Was it AC Milan? Hold on.
00:06:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, yeah, yeah, it was. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I believe it was AC Milan.
00:06:36
Craig matthews
I thought... I thought AC Milan beat...
00:06:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah but
00:06:40
Craig matthews
Or did they beat the Burner Bar? I don't know.
00:06:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm sure it was at the Burnabout.
00:06:44
Craig matthews
They were losing Bar until they came back. I saw they beat them.
00:06:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm sure they've lost a game at a but at the Burnabout. I'm sure of it.
00:06:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm sure. In the meantime, whilst Craig looks that up, I mean, this is going to be huge. The atmosphere at the Bernabeu will be rocking.
00:07:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that's another thing I would also stress on. For any Arsenal fans that are travelling up a traveling to Madrid, they're probably in Madrid now, bring that noise with you. Bring the passion and...
00:07:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, the majority of fans that are going to be there All Real Madrid. We have to try and make our voices heard. It is going to be such an occasion. And at the end of the day, we've just got to bring the noise, support the boys, get behind. i mean, for all of us here, we're going to be watching from home. And I mean, that is going to be... ah It's going to be a cracker of a game.
00:07:48
Craig matthews
Yeah, I've got the stats up now for those.
00:07:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, hello. Right, go on then, Craig.
00:07:51
Craig matthews
So, Real Madrid's first game against Stuttgart, they won three one They lost 1-0 to Lille the second game.
00:07:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
I remember that game.
00:07:58
Craig matthews
They won 5-2 against...
00:07:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wait, they lost to Lille.
00:08:00
Craig matthews
Yeah, 1-0 to Lille.
00:08:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
um That's where, yeah, Lille I was probably thinking of, not Monaco.
00:08:02
Craig matthews
I remember that game. was in France.
00:08:06
Craig matthews
They beat Dortmund 5-2 at home.
00:08:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I remember that.
00:08:10
Craig matthews
You were right about the Milan game. We were both about the Milan game. They lost 3-1 against Milan. remember that Milan winning that game, 3-1.
00:08:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:08:18
Craig matthews
That's what they're burned about.
00:08:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:08:20
Craig matthews
They lost 2-0 to Liverpool in Champions League at home, away.
00:08:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:08:24
Craig matthews
um They they they'd narrowly be alanta free two and they beat 3-2.
00:08:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, yeah.
00:08:32
Craig matthews
And for them to qualify, they beat Salzburg 5-1. Then they beat Brest 3-0.
00:08:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:08:37
Craig matthews
Then they played the playoff, the knockout playoff. They beat
Impact of Fan Reactions
00:08:40
Craig matthews
Man City free too And then i away from at home, they beat them 3-1. And Atletico, they beat them 2-1 in the first leg.
00:08:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wow. Of
00:08:47
Craig matthews
And in the second leg, Atletico won, but they lost on penalties.
00:08:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
course, yeah.
00:08:51
Craig matthews
So their form in the season has been very shaky. That's been the same dominant force in the Euro. They won a few games in the league format. They didn't really do in the league format. Yeah.
00:09:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, to be honest with you, we kind we could kind of say the same about a lot of teams, to be fair, in the Champions League this season. PSG also being another one of them.
00:09:09
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:09:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, they've they've not... They had a very shaky start to the league format, scraped into the qualifiers, and now they are now cruising in the Champions League.
00:09:17
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:09:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, they they are playing some great football. They've got a lot of talented players,
00:09:28
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:09:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, wow, just PSG alone, great side at the minute. And be interesting to see how far they go as well.
00:09:36
Craig matthews
a
00:09:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
But just, yeah, let's let turn up time the attention back to tomorrow's game. where Where do you see the threat? if If there's going to be a threat from Real Madrid tomorrow, especially with them being at home, where do you see it coming from?
00:09:53
Craig matthews
the one The front four. Vinicius, Venlham, Vinicius on the left, Mbappe, Rodrigo Venlham.
00:09:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
fuck, fuck.
00:10:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, very true. Question is, how do you keep them quiet?
00:10:11
Craig matthews
Well, Simba did a job on Vinicius last week, kept him very quiet.
00:10:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:10:14
Craig matthews
I see him doing the same job tomorrow. I just see Saliba handling in the back because he's done it before when he played with this. ill learned Marseille handled him very well last week as well.
00:10:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:24
Craig matthews
He can match him pace from pace. Keep looking at the street pop and just do the dirty work if needs to do the dirty work. I think if Skelly playing left back, we'll keep Rodrigo quiet.
00:10:37
Craig matthews
this Don't give him too much space to do his running in and his skills. so I think Decan Rice will party, he's part-of-fit to start, will do a job on Benham, keep him quiet, just mark him out, mark getting frustrated. Because when he doesn't have the ball and he's not getting the ball, he's not making runs, then he can get frustrated, so make him get a booking or something.
00:10:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
you Do you see this as potential mind games here ahead of this second leg? Because you you speak about um you know like Jude Bellingham and him getting frustrated.
00:11:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
do you think Do you think one of the key but ah like one of the keys to kind of crack this Madrid team is to somewhat frustrate them? Because don't forget, they haven't got Kamavinga for tomorrow night's game.
00:11:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
So do you think it's one of them do you think it's one of them where... It could be a thing of mind games here.
00:11:30
Craig matthews
the fans will decide the game. If the rooms are not winning by a certain time of the game, they'll start putting out the white flags out and wrap white handkerchiefs and all that, start booing the players and whatever, start cheering the players.
00:11:41
Craig matthews
If we can keep them quiet for 45 minutes, that's their fans, because Remedy fans are very quick to tell on their
Experienced Players' Role
00:11:48
Craig matthews
players. So, if we can keep their fans quiet and go up the other one and get a goal or whatever we have to do to win the game, but then then then all the pressure is on the players and the manager.
00:11:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:11:59
Craig matthews
So, we've got to be very smart with it as well. don' Don't be all gung-ho, all-out attack and then leave it loose at the back and they get chances of a score. So, have to be very smart the way how we attack and Yeah.
00:12:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, absolutely. I think, again, we've got to be really clever here with how we we go about tomorrow's game. I think since we're at the Bernabeu, one of the main factors is we need to try and settle into the game as soon as we can.
00:12:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
we we can't afford to We can't afford to be complacent early in the game.
00:12:40
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:12:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know It's one of them where we we need to be we need to kind of settle it settle the game a little bit. First 10 minutes, just try and keep possession you know and really just get a feel for the ball and for and just for the feel of the occasion and for the game. Because also, just think about it.
00:13:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
The majority of these players that are that are going to be featuring at the Bernabeu will be their first time and a big occasion, you know, apart from Odegaard and potentially maybe Mikel Moreno, who have got experience playing at the Bernabeu.
00:13:11
Craig matthews
yeah
00:13:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
that That's another question I'm actually going fire at you. How key and how important do you think someone like Mikel Moreno and Odegaard will be to try and help the the majority of the squad try and settle their nerves ahead of the game?
Pressure on Ancelotti
00:13:38
Craig matthews
I'll say a party as well, a party's felt a bit burned about it.
00:13:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ampate, yeah. Absolutely, from a festerco, yeah.
00:13:41
Craig matthews
Partey is a big game player. He learns to Bernabeu very well. So, I would say that Odegaard is going to go to a triple point. Why they got rid of him on whatever. They're going to want to show them why he's a good player.
00:13:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:13:54
Craig matthews
Marina's got a good record against Real Madrid from his days and their leader as well. And last week he scored against them. So, these guys are going have to help. These experienced pros are have to help the younger players get through to get them over the line tomorrow. So, there's a thing where from in the changing room, when they get to the stadium, when they did a warm up, they have to have a good team talk and rally the troops.
00:14:17
Craig matthews
like shoot And even Declan Rice is important to that equation as well, because even though Declan has never played at Madrid before, but he's been showing the season that he's a leader as well.
00:14:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:14:25
Craig matthews
So he he led by his example last week without the armband, scoring them two wonder goals. So he has to do the same for Moira.
00:14:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:14:33
Craig matthews
and just get them, and I swear that Saka has played in European finals as well, like, you know, for England. So, we've got some game players on our team.
00:14:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:14:41
Craig matthews
I just hope they just don't get nervous on the occasion, like someone like Luyske doesn't get nervous on the occasion or anything. So, we have to protect our players tomorrow, I would say.
00:14:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:14:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, absolutely. You are your spot on there. I think with MLS, that is going to be huge. That is going to be absolutely huge for us because...
00:15:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, we we speak so much about pressure and it just seems like he can cope with any kind of environment.
00:15:06
Craig matthews
Mm.
00:15:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think tomorrow will be a big test for him. um And even Ethan Waniere, if he, say, comes on for the last 20 minutes to replace Saka, you know, it'll be interesting see how he fares up as well.
00:15:23
Craig matthews
Mm.
00:15:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, guys, we're going to take a quick break. ah We're going to hear from our partners at Bionic and join us after the break as we continue to digest and also just delve into the Champions League game against Real Madrid.
00:16:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
And hello there and welcome back to the second part of our Real Madrid preview as I'm your host Jamie Patterson joined by Craig Matthews.
00:16:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Craig, one thing I want to also bring to you is, I don't know if you've heard about what Carlo Ancelotti has been doing um in the build-up to the Arsenal game, where he is called for emergency team meetings and and has really tried to rally his team um ahead of this second-leg tie.
00:17:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, the question I've got for you is, how fearful do you think Real Madrid are of this game?
00:17:10
Craig matthews
Well, the Manans are under serious pressure because they're not they're not doing well in La Liga. They're literally just... Barcelona is leading in La Liga and they could potentially lose that.
00:17:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:19
Craig matthews
And if they lose some tomorrow against us, then they won't win any trophies this season. They're not much after winning trophy every season.
00:17:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:26
Craig matthews
and ah You know how Ferencain and Paris is already. He's a strict owner. He likes his go-to players.
00:17:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:31
Craig matthews
If you don't do well, even if you win the Champions League so many times for them, they still get rid of you. so If Anthony loses tomorrow, he'll be out of the tournament in summer at Rainbow Trace.
Line-up Considerations for Arsenal
00:17:40
Craig matthews
He will lose his job. think he'll lose his job.
00:17:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wow.
00:17:44
Craig matthews
I think he'll lose his job.
00:17:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, you you heard a you edit it here first. heard it here first. We'll have to bring this little segment of of recording for but if this were to happen over the summer.
00:18:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
But you make a good point there. You know, it for me, i so when I heard about it, I was like, Wow, I've never really known ah Real Madrid to kind of have this kind of approach towards a game. Now, don't get me wrong. Yes, given the circumstances of what happened last week, I didn't think they'd have this much fear.
00:18:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't know. I see it as maybe but as potential fear because you know to be called into emergency team meetings... that That is very concerning.
00:18:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Very concerning. um And if I'm right as well, ah not the weekend gone, but wasn't it the weekend before? They also lost to Valencia as well.
00:18:48
Craig matthews
That is, yeah, in the league.
00:18:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, you know, confidence right now is probably not going to be at the highest, but the hunger will be there, though, for tomorrow's game.
00:19:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
The question is... with With this starting XI, who do you play? do you Do you stick with the same starting XI?
00:19:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you maybe think, oh, OK, well, we could play Ben White instead of Kivior, for example. You know, how would you go up how would you go about setting up the team for tomorrow if you was Arteta?
00:19:26
Craig matthews
The only issue with playing Ben White has been he's still having that niggling injury. I think he's in the squad for tomorrow because I had an injury to me.
00:19:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, he is. So him, from what i from what I've heard, him and Thomas Partey are in the travelling squad.
00:19:44
Craig matthews
Yeah, but the only issue is that Ben White hasn't played lot games recently. He's only played maybe 45 minutes here, a couple of minutes here and there.
00:19:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:50
Craig matthews
So if he played against Brentford on Saturday, I would have played him tomorrow. would have started him tomorrow. But ah I wouldn't want to risk him in a massive game like that and he gets injured and then we have to bring on Keefer, like the keeper of confidence will get shot because he thought I've been dropped and I thought I'm okay, he's done well so he's coming from the team so you would rather ah bring him on if you need, if needs to be, stop them.
00:20:12
Craig matthews
Say we're winning and we have to kill the other winning one or two, no, we have to try spot them from scoring more goals.
00:20:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:20:17
Craig matthews
You can rig him in and play at back five or something like that. Take up a wing arm, play at back five and just have three at the back and have wing backs and just have five at the back and just keep it solid. You'll do that. well I wouldn't start Benoit tomorrow because it's a high-intensity game and um I don't think he's much shot for it.
00:20:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, it will be, yeah. Absolutely.
00:20:36
Craig matthews
I think he's much shot for it at all. I might be wrong, but I don't think he's much off. They haven't played enough games since January, I would say.
00:20:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
No. Yeah, no, I absolutely agree with you. I think as great as Ben White is a player, he hasn't had much match ah match sharpness, hasn't had much game time.
00:20:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
And like you said, he still, you could say in a way, he's still trying to recover from from the surgeries he's had, hasn't he?
Defensive Strategies Against Mbappe
00:21:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because obviously, before surgery, he i believe he'd take like two paracetamol's
00:21:01
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:21:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:21:08
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:21:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
and obviously that's something you don't really want to be doing you know given the fact that you're a footballer and is going to be ri it is going to be really interesting to see what happens really really interesting
00:21:22
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:21:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
um but at least hopefully if ben what i think you just say ben white for but next season I think given the fact now we are, I believe we are a month and 10 days away till the last Premier League game c of the season.
00:21:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think you might as well just keep him, keep him rested.
00:21:43
Craig matthews
Mm.
00:21:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Give him, give him a couple minutes here and there. I don't see why that wouldn't hurt. But yeah, for me, I would be at least trying to rest him and keep him match up for next season. I think it's like that for a lot of players.
00:22:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
um ah right now for Arsenal. But question for you, Craig, also is we with our defence, who do you see Mbappe coming up against? Because last week he was up against Saliba.
00:22:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Then he was like, oh, actually, I'm going to swap sides and come up against Kivior.
00:22:19
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:22:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's now obviously seen now that he was unable to get past Kivior. Who do you see him matching up against Mbappe?
00:22:35
Craig matthews
I thought all four defenders were solid and they had different qualities. thought he might fight his chances against Kivio. I don't expect Kivio because obviously it's a pace threat, but I think Kivio can handle him.
00:22:47
Craig matthews
I thought Kivio and maybe Saliba can cover him behind him. If he goes on a long run, he can cover him behind him. It'll be a very interesting battle between them four defenders tomorrow. I think Skelly is very solid as well.
00:22:58
Craig matthews
sir but Lack of experience is the only thing I worry about. And temperament as well.
00:23:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Of
00:23:04
Craig matthews
close the the burnabout is a th daunting place to go to teams are gone there and got battered so have to be very cautious of about that as well so yeah oh
00:23:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
course.
00:23:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely. i just think right now... I would start the same starting 11 that started last week.
Score Predictions
00:23:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just don't think you would change it because if if they do so if they've they've played really well together, I just don't see how... ah don't see why... You know, as they say, why you know why root why change something if it's already good?
00:23:40
Craig matthews
I
00:23:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I would keep the exact same starting 11 for but tomorrow night's game. But um just quickly, before we do take a break, Craig, i have to ask i have to ask the golden question here.
00:23:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
What is your score prediction for the game?
00:23:59
Craig matthews
keep thinking 1-1, you know. I'm going to go through 1-1. um go through one one
00:24:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:24:04
Craig matthews
ah that I thought we did wall score I thought wall score equalised and we got a 4-1 on aggregate. I thought we'll go through. I don't think we're going to lose some tomorrow. thought we'll go through. confident we'll go through.
00:24:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, love that. Absolutely love that. I'm also in the same boat as you. I am confident for tomorrow's game. I, on the other hand, will go for... I'm going to um
00:24:28
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:24:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm going 2-1 Arsenal. Just like you said, it's the fact that Madrid are at home. You know, Madrid at home, they are going to be, you know, with the atmosphere, i think if we can really settle into the game, stamp our authority by scoring the first sk goal.
00:24:35
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:24:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Whether it's early, whether it's a little later on in the first half, whether we take the game 0-0 at half-time and then go and get a goal in the second half, I could see it finishing 2-1, which would be 5-1 on aggregate.
00:24:52
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:25:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:25:04
Craig matthews
Yeah, five, one, i yeah, five, one, yeah.
00:25:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
5-1 on aggregate. So that will, yeah, that's going to be really interesting.
00:25:07
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:25:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But yeah, guys, let's, you know, let's have your score predictions. Let us know on socials what you think the score will be. And we're just going to take a quick break.
Other Champions League Highlights
00:25:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
And when we come back, we will be reviewing the other results in the Champions League second legs. And boy, were we in for a treat.
00:25:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Join us after the break.
00:25:58
Craig matthews
Thank you.
00:26:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
And hello there and welcome back to the third part and final part of our review to Real Madrid. Right, let's have a let's have a debrief of tonight's second leg games.
00:26:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because wow, was we treated to some crackers. Let's start it off with Villa Park. Craig, you watched this game.
00:26:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
It finished Villa... What was it? Villa 3, wasn't it? PSG 2.
00:26:49
Craig matthews
Yeah, PSU2, yeah. 5-4 and I think it was. 5-4 and I think it was.
00:26:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
5, yeah. 5-4 on aggregate.
00:26:54
Craig matthews
but
00:26:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, said it to the boys on the group chat. I pretty much thought that was it for Villa. I thought that's it for Villa. And... Wow, what a fight from Villa.
00:27:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Great play.
00:27:09
Craig matthews
I
00:27:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
I didn't watch the game because, again, don't see why I need to pay for for for Amazon. But Craig, you did watch the game on the other hand. I mean, what were the standout points for you from that game?
00:27:24
Craig matthews
have to say a special mentions to Duna Rumah, the goalkeeper PSG. He had an amazing game. The young centre-backer PSG made a world-class block for the end. Obviously, it would have 4-4 in the end of the time.
00:27:38
Craig matthews
Special mentions to Marcus Rashford, McGinn played an excellent game, Tillemans had an excellent game as well, Conzad had an excellent game as well, scored a good goal, good layback from Rashford.
00:27:52
Craig matthews
I thought that it was a great game to watch because one thing like about English teams, they're losing, that they never give up. and In any level of English football, they never give up.
00:27:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:00
Craig matthews
If they're losing, they always find a way to come back and win the game or get back into the game. sir Going into this game, everyone thought that PSU were going to roll over Aston Villa, but wasn't like that.
00:28:11
Craig matthews
First off, PSU were winning first off, and then Villa came back 2-1 at half-time, and then second off, Villa hit them and kept on scoring.
00:28:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, yeah.
00:28:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's it.
00:28:23
Craig matthews
If Villa took their chances, I think they missed on player chances towards the end, but also It was an excellent game to watch and on Lucky's Vida they've been unbeaten at home this season in the Champions League, they won all their home games in the Champions League this season, so they haven't lost the game at home.
00:28:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
o Yeah,
00:28:41
Craig matthews
its It's a great job that what Emery's done this season, he's done a great job at Aston Villa, so what happens if they qualify next season.
00:28:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah absolutely. And to be honest with you, Villa are are on course for Europe as well this season. um no where Where are they in the league?
00:29:00
Craig matthews
I think they're sixth, aren't they? Are they sixth? Let me double check.
00:29:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm double-checking as well, actually.
00:29:04
Craig matthews
Let
00:29:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah They are, quickly, they're seventh.
00:29:09
Craig matthews
let me see. Tables. Oh, they're seventh. They're behind.
00:29:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
They're seventh.
00:29:12
Craig matthews
but love But they're 11 on points for Chelsea.
00:29:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
They're level on points with Chelsea. Chelsea with the better goal difference. However... If Newcastle, say if Newcastle were to slip up against Palace and say like Newcastle City and Chelsea were to slip up in their games respectfully and Villa were to go and win, they would then jump fourth lead with the same points as Forest.
00:29:25
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:29:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
in the league
00:29:44
Craig matthews
Fourth, fourth, yeah, yeah.
00:29:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
with the same point as forest
00:29:49
Craig matthews
oh yeah, obviously Forest in the box as well, isn't
00:29:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, but Forest, though, do have a much better goal difference compared to Villa.
00:29:59
Craig matthews
it? Yeah, their goal difference is 16. No, their goal difference hold on, 13. I think their goal difference is 3.
00:30:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
13, from what I see here.
00:30:04
Craig matthews
But I think Villa are playing Newcastle this weekend, if I'm following it correctly.
00:30:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:30:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
I believe so, Absolutely.
00:30:13
Craig matthews
That's the big game. That could be the Champions League shootout. Whoever wins that could go on to get the Champions League football.
00:30:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely. Absolutely.
00:30:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Honestly, is going to...
00:30:24
Craig matthews
agree.
00:30:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
This is why we've said that the race for Europe is so, so good, isn't it?
00:30:32
Craig matthews
definite i agree
00:30:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Really hotting up. And the fact that we could have potentially nine? Did you say... We said nine teams, didn't... You said nine teams to me off-air, didn't you?
00:30:45
Craig matthews
Yeah, because if, if, um, if Poplar or Man Utd win the Europa League, they can get, um, if, it's not going to happen, if, if, if, if it's a massive if, um, they can get to Champions League, but if, um, because, um, who won the League Cup?
00:30:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, God. yeah
00:31:01
Craig matthews
If Newcastle get, um, Champions League, they'll, they'll forfeit, they, they'll forfeit their, um, Conference League because they won the League Cup,
00:31:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
Barcelona vs Dortmund Analysis
00:31:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's it. Yeah.
00:31:11
Craig matthews
so they'll go to, they'll go down to another team further down the table.
00:31:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:31:15
Craig matthews
And if Chelsea win the Conference League, then they will get Europa League football they don't qualify for Champions League. So it could go down to, or if they get Champions League as well, then another Europa League sport will go down to the other.
00:31:27
Craig matthews
It's very, it's very like, yeah, it's crazy this season.
00:31:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's crazy. Like, it's actually crazy.
00:31:33
Craig matthews
Oh, man.
00:31:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Honestly, we we are going, oh my gosh, the teams for Europe are just going to absolutely be stacked, aren't they?
00:31:40
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:31:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I mean, if Palace go do a cup run as well, or they finish eighth, I mean, if imagine if they finish eighth and then also go and win the FA Cup.
00:31:44
Craig matthews
I'm saying Palace do it as well. Yeah.
00:31:49
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:31:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wow.
00:31:53
Craig matthews
Then it'll go down to the Manchester United team who wins.
00:31:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh my gosh.
00:31:55
Craig matthews
who Yeah. So that could be a Brentford that sneak in and get European football.
00:31:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
That could be like a Brentford or a Fulham. Oh, my God.
00:32:02
Craig matthews
Or Brighton.
00:32:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:32:05
Craig matthews
Yeah. So lots to play for.
00:32:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Goodness me, a lot to play for for Europe. Absolutely. And just on the subject of the Champions League quickly, in the other game, which I watched, wow, what a game.
00:32:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Dortmund-Barcelona, Dortmund winning 3-1 on the night with Gourassi scoring a hat-trick and the game finishing 5-3 to Barcelona on aggregate.
00:32:28
Craig matthews
Mm.
00:32:35
Craig matthews
Mm.
00:32:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wow, what a game that was. I mean, Barcelona, to be honest, they pretty much done the job in the first leg. They were brilliant.
00:32:44
Craig matthews
Mm.
00:32:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I thought, surely, I thought to myself, you know what, if they were to just maybe get another goal, set off, like properly kill off the tie, they'd be all right.
00:32:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
But you know what? they were not They were not at their strongest.
00:33:00
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:33:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Chesney giving away ah a silly penalty. um And then I think the third, the third Gerasi goal, Araujo had just like, he tried to, he cleared the ball out and as he, like the ball just ended up at Gerasi's feet and all he did was just laced it home.
00:33:20
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:33:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But Barcelona, lucky to get that goal with the own goal. um
00:33:30
Craig matthews
I,
00:33:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
but not their Not their best showing tonight. Not their best showing tonight. But for them, it doesn't matter. They are they are in the the Champions League semi-finals where they will play the winner of Inter um in or Bayern.
Inter vs Bayern Predictions
00:33:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just quickly, Craig, let just quickly, who do you think? Who do you have on tomorrow's other second leg?
00:33:58
Craig matthews
I, it's at home or no way.
00:34:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Inter are at home. Yes, Inter are at home.
00:34:04
Craig matthews
Yeah, I fancy Inter.
00:34:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, they're at home, yeah.
00:34:10
Craig matthews
I fancy Inter.
00:34:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, same.
00:34:12
Craig matthews
ah I really like Simeone. I think he's a very good man. of Inzaghi, I always get his mix of Simeone.
00:34:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Inzaghi, yeah.
00:34:18
Craig matthews
Simon Inzaghi, I really respect him a manager.
00:34:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:34:20
Craig matthews
I think he's a good manager. I feel like Bayern this season have been very lucky to get far they've got in tra lee because did that they played the lost against Villarreal away from home. They lost some games in terms the season that they shouldn't have lost.
00:34:34
Craig matthews
I thought they've got some good players, but think Kompany is very inexperienced manager, would say. I know he's done well in the Championship with Burnley, struggled in the Premier League last season with Burnley, got them relegated whilst playing good football, got opportunity to manage at Bayern.
00:34:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
only Yeah, of course.
00:34:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:34:53
Craig matthews
they They're doing okay, but could do better.
00:34:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I mean, do you know what? The investment that Bayern have made since companies come in has been really good.
00:35:06
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:35:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I just, I don't know. i don't know what it is with Bayern. I expected Bayern to probably go into the semis, actually. I didn't think they would be in the position they're in now, to be fair.
00:35:14
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:35:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I mean, at the end of the day, is going to, it's going to be such a big ask. If Bayern were at home, I'd have, I'd have my confidence in Bayern.
00:35:27
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:35:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
But in this case scenario, I do see Inter going through. i think the fact that they...
00:35:36
Craig matthews
and it's not her as well, not annoying her injured as well.
00:35:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, exactly. So that's going to be a ah big factor there, to be honest with you. But yeah, I think for me, I can only see Inter winning this. They're at home and realistically, they probably need to get... If they could get a goal, keep Bayern quiet,
00:35:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
um you know If they were to get a late goal in the second half, you know i think that would pretty much kill off Bayern. However, though, if Bayern were to go and score,
00:36:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
um
00:36:09
Craig matthews
different game hmm yeah
00:36:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
it will be a real edge-of-the-seat kind of game, won't it?
00:36:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, we will find out. I'll tell you what, tomorrow's episode is to be a good one, isn't it, Craig?
00:36:24
Craig matthews
yeah hopefully we celebrate
00:36:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
ha Hopefully.
00:36:28
Craig matthews
But honestly, honestly thought that, you know what, if we get to the seventh final, I think we can beat PSG and we get to the final. I fancy if we get Barcelona in the final, think we'll beat Barcelona in the final because their defence is shaky.
00:36:40
Craig matthews
I fancy us against Barcelona. I do fancy.
00:36:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Even with living in your mouth?
00:36:43
Craig matthews
Their attack is good. Their attack is good, yeah, but fancy our chances against Barcelona. We owe them one after what they did to us in 06. We owe them.
00:36:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm. pain.
00:36:53
Craig matthews
We owe them a defeat. We owe them big defeat.
00:36:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Spain. Spain without the S. Spain without the S. Oh, my God. Yeah. Painful.
00:37:03
Craig matthews
We owe them one. We owe them one, so...
00:37:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:37:08
Craig matthews
one
00:37:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, well we've let's let's let's try and get past Madrid first before we can...
00:37:13
Craig matthews
Yeah, that's... Fingers crossed, fingers crossed.
00:37:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
before we Yeah, fingers crossed.
00:37:15
Craig matthews
ah for
00:37:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Exactly that.
00:37:16
Craig matthews
but
00:37:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fingers crossed.
00:37:19
Craig matthews
ah
00:37:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
But guys, that is it for today.
00:37:20
Craig matthews
Oh, man.
00:37:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Have you liked what we've had to say? We'd love to hear your thoughts by getting in touch with us on social media. As always, make sure to go and show us some love and support by subscribing to the GSPN network for all things Premier League, WSL, Serie World Cup,
00:37:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
and more. You can find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching Daily Arsenal. My name's been Jamie Patterson. He's been the amazing Craig Matthews.
Podcast Conclusion
00:37:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Have a good day all and take care.
00:38:03
Craig matthews
Thank you.