In a stunning performance, Arsenal delivered a commanding 3-0 win against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
The result has put Mikel Arteta’s team in a strong position to reach their first semi-final since 2009, with a three-goal advantage heading into the second leg.
Saliba’s Fearless Approach Ahead of Santiago Bernabeu
Despite the impressive result at home, William Saliba is adamant that Arsenal will not approach the second leg with fear.
The 24-year-old French defender insisted that Arteta’s side will not adopt a defensive mindset at the Santiago Bernabeu next week.
“We are not scared,” Saliba stated. “We want to go there, win again, and finish the job.
We know it’s not over, even with a 3-0 lead.” He emphasized that Arsenal’s focus will be on playing their game, not sitting back and defending.
Saliba Surprised by Rice’s Free-Kick Brilliance
Saliba also shared his surprise at the performance of Declan Rice, who scored two stunning free-kicks past Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois. “I didn’t see that in training,” Saliba admitted.
“It was the first time I’ve seen a good free-kick from Dec. We don’t score a lot of direct free-kicks, but I’m so happy for him.
He was amazing.” Saliba’s praise for Rice came after the England midfielder played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s victory.
Acknowledging Real Madrid’s Strength and Mbappe’s Influence
Despite their dominant win, Saliba knows that Real Madrid’s quality means the tie is far from over.
He was reminded of the threat posed by top players like Kylian Mbappe, who he grew up with in the same Paris suburb.
Saliba and Mbappe went to primary school together, with Saliba also being coached by Mbappe’s father.
“It was good for me because we won, and he (Mbappe) didn’t score, but against a player like him, you have to be focused all the time,” Saliba explained.
The French defender also reflected on how crucial it will be for Arsenal to remain sharp in Spain.
“They have the best attacking players in the world, so we are so happy to get the clean sheet,” he added.
A Career-Defining Night for Saliba and Arsenal
When asked if the victory was the best night of his career, Saliba admitted that it was “one of the best.”
He also expressed hope that this wouldn’t be the last of such memorable nights.
The 3-0 win was certainly Arsenal’s greatest moment at the Emirates since their move there in 2006.
“To win a quarter-final like this against Madrid is amazing,” Saliba said, adding, “It gives us a lot of confidence for what’s next.”
With a solid lead and their confidence soaring, Arsenal will look to complete the job next week in Madrid, aiming to secure their spot in the semi-finals.