Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, is full of optimism as his team prepares to take on Real Madrid. They’ll face each other in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final at soccer’s hallowed Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday. Arteta is buoyed by the authoritative 3-0 first leg win at the Emirates Stadium. He wants to go into the return match “feeling the excitement, not the fear,” even though he knows all too well the notable record Real Madrid have for staging European comebacks.
Arteta did not play down the mental pressure of facing a side famous for their late comebacks. He is convinced that Arsenal’s recent performances will give them the best shot to produce their best form in this important battle. He pointed out that Arsenal hang their heads on the occasion.
Arsenal’s Positive Mindset
Arteta highlighted that fear would not be a factor in the way his team got ready. “We approach the game to win it, the same as we did in London,” he said. In a way, one of the more important things he pushed for was just staying positive and confident, which is something you can see all over Arsenal’s last …
“We have shown we are capable of doing it and that gives us reassurance and confidence we can do it. Now, let’s do it out on the pitch,” Arteta added. That’s the feeling among the players as they come back and get ready to try and get their repeat of the excellent performance from the first leg.
Even Arsenal’s custodian David Raya seemed to send a cue of same intent. He noted the prevailing mood within the squad, stating, “The feeling is not nerves, it is confidence that we can replicate what we did in the first game, and come here for the win.” Afterward, Raya stressed the importance of concentrating on their own game and not being swayed by the occasion at the Bernabeu.
The Challenge of History
Arsenal still has an uphill battle ahead of their opponents. Perhaps most significantly, they wrestle with the deep historical legacy attached to Real Madrid’s home pitch. Though no failure is a guarantee, Arteta admitted the boisterous history of miraculous triumphs at the Bernabeu casts a fresh burden of expectation. He remains undeterred by this legacy.
“We have to think about ourselves and what we can control on the pitch with the ball,” Raya continued. “Play the same way that we played in the first game and create chances to score goals.” This end run around the knockdowns is especially symptomatic of Arsenal’s ambition to never deviate from their tactical heart.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham spoke about the clash, saying that the evening is “made for” a comeback. He highlighted the importance of performance on such a grand stage, stating, “Arsenal have to earn the right to win the game.” Bellingham shared his feelings as respect for Arsenal’s aspirations as they become an emerging force in European competitions.
The Road Ahead
As Arsenal prepares to make history with hopes of winning their first Champions League title, Arteta remains focused on ensuring his team continues to build on their momentum. He noted that despite Arsenal’s encouraging record—having not lost by four goals since a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in November 2021—nothing is guaranteed if they do not deliver another strong performance.
As I mentioned that is something were powerless over, Arteta remarked regarding external pressures. He stressed the importance of his squad focusing on implementing their game plan and staying calm during the game.
With Arsenal’s great win last week, they are in commanding position. As Arteta himself is at pains to point out, they have to convert that confidence into business on Wednesday night. As they stand on the brink of advancing to the semi-finals, Arsenal is determined to demonstrate their capability and resilience against Real Madrid.
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