Philippe Senderos says whether he thinks Real Madrid can overcome their three-goal deficit to Arsenal

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Philippe Senderos is one of the surprise names to have played in Arsenal’s two-leg victory over Real Madrid back in 2006.

Arsene Wenger triumphed against Madrid with a makeshift Arsenal back line that also included Mathieu Flamini filling in at left-back.

Of course, Jakub Kiwior isn’t first choice for Arsenal today, the defender who will once again partner William Saliba against Kylian Mbappe. 

Kiwior coped well with Mbappe in Arsenal’s 3-0 win the first leg of their tie, but playing at the Santiago Bernabeu will be a whole new challenge.

Thomas Partey has warned Arsenal’s players about facing Madrid away from home – another flawless 90 minutes will be needed.

Philippe Senderos gives his Real Madrid vs Arsenal prediction

That being said, Senderos spoke to local Madrid outlet AS ahead of Wednesday’s match under the lights, when Madrid will aim to score at least four goals.

The former Arsenal player, who admitted he once had the chance to sign for Real Madrid, said that he did still think the tie was alive.

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Senderos said: “Madrid is a great team, brimming with champions and an incomparable history. 

“The result is very unfavorable, but I think they can do a lot of damage if they’re successful.

“Maybe, but with Madrid’s stars, anything is possible. They have impressive quality, and if we know one thing, it’s that in their stadium and with their fans, they won’t give up as long as there’s a chance to move forward.

“The fans will push them, and a first goal can change the situation. They can do it.”

Then asked about Arteta, Senderos continued: “He has very clear ideas. Arsenal attacks well, but also knows how to defend perfectly in a low block, with two or three lines in just 20 meters and without pushing too far out to avoid exposing themselves too much.

“They know how to play compactly, and they manage a variety of positions.”

And ending with his prediction, Senderos declared: “With Madrid, predictions and logic don’t work. It’s clear that Arsenal are favorites to advance, and if they score at the Bernabeu, they’d have it even closer, but anything is possible.”

Kylian Mbappe ready to prove a point vs Arsenal

Of course, it caught attention among Arsenal fans that Mbappe was sent off for Madrid in their 1-0 league win over Alaves on the weekend.

Mbappe won’t be suspended against Arsenal as domestic suspensions don’t carry over to European competitions, but it was still an odd moment.

In fact, Kiwior has spoken about Mbappe ahead of facing him in the second-leg, a battle that will once again be crucial to Arsenal’s chances of progression.

And whilst Senderos still thinks there’s hope for Madrid, Mikel Arteta will be aiming to nullify the host’s attacking threat entirely.

Arsenal are an excellent team defensively, and it would take a monumental collapse to forfeit a spot in the semi-finals, one that this team has shown no signs of falling to.