Despite the loss, Merino was optimistic about the team's chances in the second leg. He acknowledged that Arsenal struggled in the first 15 minutes but improved significantly after that. He praised the team's character and resilience, saying they dominated the rest of the game.

Merino expressed confidence that the team can win the second leg, citing their strong performance in the second half. He emphasized that the team's ability to adapt and perform well in any situation is a positive takeaway from the game.

Merino also reflected on his disallowed goal, acknowledging that it was a tough call but accepting the margin of error in high-level football. He expressed hope that the team can bounce back in the second leg and make the most of their chances.

Overall, Merino's comments highlighted the team's determination and resilience in the face of adversity.