Arsenal are gearing up for a mammoth Champions League quarter-final showdown against 15-time winners Real Madrid—a tie that could define their season.
Having exited both domestic cups and fallen 11 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, the Champions League remains Arsenal’s only realistic shot at silverware this season.
While the title race isn’t mathematically over, the odds are firmly stacked against Mikel Arteta’s side catching up.
Despite domestic frustrations, Arsenal have looked sharp in Europe. After finishing third in the group stage, the Gunners thrashed PSV 7-1 away from home and played out a 2-2 draw at the Emirates to cruise through the Round of 16 with a 9-3 aggregate victory.
Now, they face Real Madrid—Europe’s most decorated club and a team notorious for their uncanny ability to find wins in the Champions League, even when not at their best.
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have come really far under him
Speaking ahead of the clash, Mikel Arteta underlined the transformation Arsenal have undergone since his arrival.
He acknowledged the challenge Madrid present, but was quick to remind critics how far the team has come under his guidance.
The Arsenal boss praised his team’s growth and made it clear that his players are ready for the challenge
Arteta told reporters:
“When I took over we were very far away from qualifying for the Champions League! Forget about playing quarterfinals twice in 15 years. But that is credit to the club, how they have made a lot of good decisions. We are still very unsatisfied because we want much more.”
“I love to compete against the best and be challenged against the best. We are in a very special competition, we don’t have any history in terms of winning it. Nobody has more hunger and desire than us, it’s impossible.”
“The team has given the reasons to believe in them and a lot of arguments to think we can beat any opposition. Now we have to do it. We have to deliver. Not talk too much, have the belief that we are more than prepared to do it and then do it.”
Beating Madrid would be massive in road to final
Should Arsenal overcome Real Madrid, they will go on to face the winner of PSG vs Aston Villa in the semi-finals—a tantalising prospect for Gunners fans dreaming of a historic European run.
With belief surging inside the camp and everything to play for, Arsenal now face the ultimate test of their mettle. If they are to truly announce themselves on Europe’s biggest stage, it starts with conquering the kings of the competition.
