Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on his players to be brave and to believe in himself for the second stage of their quarterfinals of the Champions League against Real Madrid on Wednesday, with the Spanish giants who view another epic comeback.
The Gunners claimed last week to a comfortable 3-0 win in the first stage in the Emirates Stadium, thanks to two sublime Free-Fick goals from Declan Rice and a nice finish from Mikel Merino.
But Real Madrid will of course have reason to believe that there is a comeback on the cards, given their history of fighting back losing positions in this competition, especially when playing in the Santiago Bernabeu.
Arteta spoke for Wednesday's collision that Arsenal was well aware that the title defender and 15 times European champions were very capable of the result at home.
“Our approach is to win it. The same as we did in London,” said Arteta on Tuesday in a press conference.
“Real Madrid is going to try to take us places we don't want to go. I understand because it is part of their history, and they have the right to talk about this kind of [comeback] Scenarios.
“We have to show the mentality to win. To be brave, to be dominant and to be determined. We must be convinced that we can be better than she and win the game.”
Arteta indeed has good reason to be optimistic. There have been 47 cases that a team took a lead of at least three goals in the second stage of a Champions League Knock -outdie, and only four of those teams have been eliminated.
But Real Madrid's reputation in this competition is not unjustified.
Last season they deducted a big escape to beat Bayern Munich, with two late goals of replacement Joselu who helped them on their way to their 15th European Cup.
In the infamous season 2021-22, Los Blancos was also performed similarly unlikely miracles in tight collisions against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Embrace the stage. pic.twitter.com/nqxnbjtwg1
– Arsenal (@ARSENAL) April 15, 2025
Arteta added that his players should not only believe in their assets, but also have to embrace the excitement and atmosphere of such an opportunity as the Gunners only want their third semi -final of the Champions League and reach their first since 2009.
“If you have to make a story, you should first be enthusiastic about it,” said the Spaniard.
“The players must be prepared and you must really be convinced of what you want to achieve.”
The Arsenal manager acknowledged that emotions would run high, but stated that Arsenal could draw their earlier experiences throughout the season, because they were engaged in a fight for the Premier League title with Liverpool, although the Reds are now certain winners.
“The emotional aspect is really important, and I have a lot of reassurance of what the team has done throughout the season, in positive contexts and very difficult contexts.
“To continue to the semi -final and to be convinced that we can handle every form of situation, we will enjoy it,” he added.
Arsenal will also take some confidence of their fantastic record against Real Madrid, after they have remained unbeaten in three meetings (two wins, one draw) without giving a single goal.
Arteta added that his side would be stimulated by the return of both Ben White and Thomas Partey by injury.
Jorginho was excluded after a rib injury in Arsenal's Premier League -similar play against Brentford on Saturday.
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