Breaking News: “I’m very much confident the four teams will knock Arsenal out of the UCL” – Manchester United Legend Rio Ferdinand suggests the FOUR teams that would eliminate Arsenal from the Champions League

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has cast doubt on Arsenal’s Champions League aspirations, claiming that Mikel Arteta’s side will not go all the way in the competition. According to Ferdinand, there are at least four teams capable of knocking Arsenal out of the tournament before they can dream of lifting the coveted trophy.

The Gunners made a huge statement in the round of 16, demolishing PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in what was a record-breaking night in the Champions League. It was a ruthless attacking performance that silenced critics who had questioned Arsenal’s goal-scoring prowess after some underwhelming domestic performances. The emphatic victory ensured Arsenal’s passage to the quarter-finals, marking their return to the latter stages of Europe’s elite competition after several years of struggle.

Despite Arsenal’s impressive display, Ferdinand remains unconvinced about their ability to go all the way. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former Manchester United defender assessed the competition and insisted that Arsenal are only the “fifth-best team” among the clubs remaining in their side of the draw.

“I think they’re probably the fifth-best team in the Champions League on that side of the draw,” Ferdinand stated. “I’m not even talking about the whole competition, just the teams they could face in the quarters and semis.”

Arsenal will have to navigate a tough road to the final, as they are set to face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals. Both Spanish giants have proven pedigree in the competition, with Real Madrid being the most successful club in European Cup history and Atletico Madrid boasting a reputation for being a disciplined, defensively solid side under Diego Simeone.

If Arsenal manage to progress past the quarter-finals, they could then face a potential semi-final showdown against one of Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Aston Villa, or Club Brugge. Each of these teams presents a different kind of challenge, with Liverpool and PSG being seen as two of the most dangerous sides in European football.

Ferdinand particularly emphasized the threat posed by Real Madrid and Liverpool, two clubs with recent Champions League triumphs. “Madrid know how to get it done in Europe, and Liverpool, even though they’ve had ups and downs, still have that ability to go deep in this competition. Those two alone could end Arsenal’s run,” he explained.

He also warned about the unpredictability of Atletico Madrid, a team that thrives in knockout football. “Atletico Madrid under Simeone are built for these moments. They don’t care about possession, they don’t care about style, they just grind you down. That could be a nightmare for Arsenal,” he added.

Additionally, he did not rule out Paris Saint-Germain as a major threat, especially given the presence of Kylian Mbappé. “PSG have one of the best players in the world in Mbappé. If he turns up, Arsenal’s defense could be in serious trouble,” Ferdinand remarked.

While Arsenal fans remain optimistic following their historic victory over PSV, Ferdinand believes their journey in the competition will come to an end before the final. He acknowledged Arsenal’s progress under Arteta but argued that they still lack the experience and depth to compete with Europe’s elite over a two-legged tie.

“Listen, Arsenal have improved massively. Arteta has done an amazing job, but this is the Champions League we’re talking about. It’s a different level of football. You can’t just show up and expect to win; you need that extra bit of experience and composure under pressure,” he said.

The Gunners, however, will take confidence from their commanding performance against PSV. Their ability to dominate and score freely in an away knockout fixture was a strong statement to the rest of Europe. Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Jesus all played pivotal roles in the triumph, demonstrating Arsenal’s attacking firepower.

Despite Ferdinand’s skepticism, Arsenal will be determined to prove their doubters wrong. Their squad has matured, and with Arteta’s tactical discipline, they could yet pull off surprises. The team will need to be at their absolute best when they face their next opponent in the quarter-finals, as tougher tests await.

Arsenal fans will be eagerly anticipating the quarter-final draw, knowing that a daunting challenge lies ahead. Whether they can rise to the occasion and defy expectations remains to be seen. As for Ferdinand’s remarks, only time will tell if his predictions come true or if Arsenal will make a deep run in the Champions League and silence their critics.

For now, the Gunners will relish their moment of success and continue their push for silverware on multiple fronts. The stage is set for an exhilarating climax to their European campaign.