Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has said that Arsenal need to be “spot on” defensively against Real Madrid on Wednesday. 

The Gunners take a 3-0 lead to the Bernabeu after a historic first leg at the Emirates last week, when Declan Rice netted two free-kicks in what was a memorable day last week.

They will hope to use their lead to their advantage on Wednesday night, and progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League where they would play against either Aston Villa or Paris Saint-Germain based on their game at Villa Park on Tuesday.

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has said that Arsenal need to focus on defence, but make sure that they don’t get too defensive and carried away with protecting their lead against a powerful Madrid attack.

He said on Sky Sports News: “Arsenal’s strength at the moment is defensively. I think as a player, if you’re sent out with a defensive frame of mind then I think psychologically, it’s not great for the individuals, and it won’t be great for the team.

“Arteta has an important team talk before this match to kind of lay down the exact approach that they want to make. But they’ve got to be positive, and they’ve got to take the game to Real Madrid. If they can get the fourth goal, then you would think that is done and dusted.”

How will Arsenal line up against Real Madrid?

Arsenal will have to do the same against Real Madrid without their strongest back line as Arteta will likely play Jakub Kiwior in place of Gabriel who was ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.

Kiwior will play alongside William Saliba and likely Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber who will have to battle against the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo in the Real Madrid attack.

Jude Bellingham will line up in midfield for Real Madrid opposite Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey.

Arsenal will then likely stick with a front three of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino, the latter scored one of the Gunners’ three goals in the opening leg.

Click here to see Arsenal’s predicted lineup for the game on Wednesday night.