Rotherham’s former double
promotion winner Kari Arnason is targeting glory on a much grander stage this
week as he plots success in the Champions League against heavyweights Real Madrid.
The 33-year-old, who left the Millers for Malmo in the summer after back-to-back promotions and survival in the Championship, is part of the Swedish outfit’s squad that
travels to Madrid on Tuesday in their final group stage clash.
It is a far cry from the days of playing against Accrington and Dagenham and Arnason’s side are not heading to one of the biggest club’s in the world for a day out – they need a result to seal Europa League qualification.
If they better Shakhtar
Donetsk’s result against PSG then they will book their place in Europe’s
second-tier club competition after Christmas.
Arnason returns to the foil
after missing the 5-0 Group A defeat to the French champions a fortnight ago
through suspension, though he has also been carrying a knee injury.
And with the Swedish
Allsvenskan league currently in its off-season, Arnason has been struggling to
regain fitness.
However, he is expected to
make it for clash with Rafa Benitez’s side and will come up against Cristiano
Ronaldo, though Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Keylor Navas have been rested.
With Shakhtar visiting Paris,
Arnason knows a point could see his side advance.
“We will make a great effort and
hopefully to a point,” the former Miller, who wore the red and white shirt for
three years, said.
“Everything is possible and (outgoing boss) Åge (Hareide) would love to win
the last game with Malmo.
“We should not be naive and give the ball away, then they will not get to counter
attack.
