Mikel Arteta backs Bukayo Saka to tilt balance in beautiful Real Madrid tie

LONDON – Mikel Arteta believes Bukayo Saka can tilt the balance of power in Arsenal’s favour in their “beautiful” Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid on April 8.

Saka is in contention to feature against Real in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, after making two substitute appearances since returning from three months on the sidelines.

The 23-year-old has not appeared in Arsenal’s starting line-up since Dec 21 at Crystal Palace.

But the forward showed he has shaken off the rust by scoring in his first game back against Fulham on April 1 and impressing in the draw at Everton on April 5.

Gunners boss Arteta is confident the England international, who needed surgery on a hamstring injury, can play a decisive role as Arsenal look to eliminate holders Real.

“He’s in a much better place. Obviously, we have built that up. He played 30 minutes against Fulham and he’s played 49 against Everton and after that he will be in a much better place,” he said.

The Champions League is probably Arteta’s last chance to end his five-year trophy drought this season, as Arsenal bid to win the tournament for the first time.

Beaten by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals last season, the Gunners’ only Champions League final appearance ended in defeat against Barcelona in 2006.

Having finished as Premier League runners-up in 2023 and 2024, they are almost certain to fall short in the title race again this campaign. Runaway leaders Liverpool are 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal with seven games left.

With that in mind, Arteta made five changes against Everton to keep his stars fresh for the European showdown with Carlo Ancelotti’s team. The Spaniard is relishing the opportunity to pit his wits against Ancelotti’s 15-time European champions.

“One of the most beautiful