Arsenal are preparing for one of their biggest European nights in years as they host Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. The Gunners have not advanced beyond the semi-finals of the competition since 2009, but manager Mikel Arteta is urging his players to carve out their own path in European football history.
While Arsenal continue their pursuit of a maiden Champions League title, Madrid arrive with a vastly different pedigree. The Spanish giants have claimed six Champions League trophies since 2009, taking their all-time total to a record 15.
Arteta, whose side exited last season’s competition at the quarter-final stage following defeat to Bayern Munich, called on his players to back themselves against one of the most formidable teams in the tournament’s history.
“It’s a club (Madrid) that has set new standards in world football. This is where we want to be, where we want to belong,” Arteta told reporters on Monday. “It’s part of their history. We have to write our own history. We have to focus on our thing. They can hurt us a lot but we can too.”
“With a lot of hope that we can get a result, that we can do it. We need to be convinced that we can do it. We need to just enjoy it. It will be just the first leg, the intention is clear for tomorrow. We’re going to go for it.”
Ahead of the clash, Arteta also provided an update on Bukayo Saka’s fitness. The winger did not start during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Everton on Saturday, instead making a second-half appearance after returning from a recent hamstring injury.
The 23-year-old England international has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season, with 10 goals and 14 assists in 26 matches across all competitions. His return to the starting line-up could prove pivotal against Madrid.
“We have built his minutes and he’s coped with that really well,” the Spaniard added.
With a fully packed Emirates and the weight of history behind them, Arsenal will be hoping this is the start of a new chapter—one where they can finally compete as equals with the biggest names in Europe.