Arsenal: Mikel Arteta reveals what will decide Champions League showdown with Real Madrid

Evening Standard

·12 Maret 2025

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta reveals what will decide Champions League showdown with Real Madrid

The Gunners have set up a Champions League showdown against Real Madrid

Mikel Arteta has guided Arsenal to the Champions League quarter-final in successive seasons

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has outlined what it will take to overcome Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final.

The Gunners are into the last-eight of European football’s elite club competition for a second time in successive seasons after overcoming PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate.

With one foot already in the quarter-final thanks to a ruthless performance in Eindhoven, Arsenal completed the job in a professional manner in the second leg at home as Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice netted in a 2-2 draw.

It means the north London outfit will face Real Madrid - the holders and the most successful team in the competition’s history - over two legs next month after they squeezed past Atletico Madrid on penalties.

Speaking in the post-match press conference and before Los Blancos were confirmed as Arsenal’s next Champions League opponents, Arteta revealed his side will have to be at their best to reach the semi-finals.

“The first thing is that you have to be at your best when it comes to that for the two games, for every minute,” he said. “Don't give anything away, because they're going to take it. And today, we've seen that with the two goals that we've conceded as well, so that's a big learning.

“In the end, the game is going to be decided in the boxes, individual talent, individual performances is crucial, and then creating an unbelievable atmosphere when we have the opportunity to play at home, that is crucial.”

Arteta also highlighted the importance of Arsenal being Champions League quarter-finalists in successive seasons.

“Why is it important? Because we want to win. And to win, you're going to have to go through the stages. And because the club needs it,” he added.

“We are a club, a team that wants to be the best and wants to be competing with the best clubs in the world. And in order to do that, you have to constantly be there.

“And it's very difficult. But we've done it for two years in a row. And we have the capacity and the ability to do it even better.”