Arteta Explains How Arsenal Plan To Stop Noisy Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in UCL Clash
- Mikel Arteta has urged his players to ignore Real Madrid’s “comeback” hype and focus on performance at Santiago Bernabeu
- Arsenal hold a 3-0 advantage over the 15-time Champions League winners heading into the quarter-final return leg
- Arsenal have never lost a European tie after winning the first leg by three or more goals
CHECK OUT: Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with LEGIT. Enroll Now!
Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal side to stay grounded, ignore the noise from Real Madrid, and finish the job they started in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal.
With a commanding 3-0 lead from the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners head to the Santiago Bernabeu knowing they are 90 minutes away from a historic semi-final appearance.
Source: Getty Images
Despite the advantage, Arteta is under no illusions about the threat posed by the 15-time Champions League winners, The SUN reports.
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham added to the intensity ahead of the second leg, claiming that "Wednesday is a night made for Real Madrid," a statement Arteta and his players are choosing to ignore.
“We’ve shown that we are capable of doing it,” Arteta said during his pre-match press conference.
“That has to give us reassurance and confidence. But now it’s about doing it on the pitch. That’s the only thing that matters.”
History on Arsenal and Arteta’s side
Arsenal have never been eliminated after winning the first leg of a European game by three or more goals, and neither has any English side in Champions League history.
On all 13 previous occasions when Arsenal carried a three-goal advantage into the second leg of a European fixture, they progressed comfortably.
Similarly, all 11 English teams that have previously won a Champions League first-leg knockout match by three goals or more have advanced as seen on Yahoo Sports.
Arsenal ignoring the Bernabeu noise
In a press conference organised by Arsenal, Arteta acknowledged the intimidating atmosphere of the Santiago Bernabeu but is confident the North London club is mentally strong enough to handle it.
Source: Getty Images
The Spaniard emphasised the need for the Gunners to remain composed and not get caught up in the emotional waves the Madrid crowd will bring.
“We have to approach this game exactly like the first leg, with intensity, with courage, and with the intent to win. Not to defend a lead, but to go for it again.”
He added that Arsenal’s defensive solidity and pressing game must be at their best if they are to withstand Real Madrid’s inevitable early pressure.
Arsenal backed to finish the job
Meanwhile, UK-based football journalist Samuel Omaenikun, in a chat with Legit.ng, believes Arsenal have what it takes to finish the job against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
“This Arsenal team under Arteta has grown in maturity, resilience, and tactical discipline,” Omaenikun said.
“They didn’t just beat Madrid in the first leg, they dominated them in every department. If they stay focused and approach the second leg with the same hunger, there’s no reason they can’t knock out one of the most decorated sides in football history. The Gunners are no longer underdogs in Europe.”
Arteta aware of Real Madrid’s weakness
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Arteta has disclosed where Real Madrid could cede their advantage to Arsenal in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie.
Arsenal have one leg in the semi-final after beating Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium and could progress to the next round if they stop their opponents from scoring.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
