Mikel Arteta has made it clear that Arsenal isn’t heading into their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid just to hang on to a lead.
Despite holding a commanding 3-0 advantage, Arteta is focused on the win rather than protecting the scoreline.
A Clear Message to the Team
Ahead of the high-stakes match at the Bernabeu, Arteta conveyed a firm message to his players: they’re there to win, not to defend.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Arteta said, “The mindset and conviction is that we are here to win the game. That’s the most important thing, to play with courage and determination, and take the game we want.”
He emphasized the need to approach the game with the same intensity as if it were still level, acknowledging that while they have a strong position, there’s still much to be done.
“It’s half-time; there’s so much to do. You have to earn the right to be in the semi-final,” Arteta added.
“There will be some beautiful moments and some difficult ones, but you have to enjoy and embrace those to reach the semi-finals.”
Real Madrid’s Confidence
Even though Arsenal has a significant advantage, there’s no shortage of confidence in the Real Madrid camp.
Jude Bellingham recently revealed that the word “Remontada” (comeback) has been circulating in the locker room, signaling the team’s belief in turning the tide.
Vinicius Jr also posted on Instagram, “Tomorrow. 9pm,” hinting at his readiness to make a big impact after being kept in check during the first leg.
The official Real Madrid social media account fueled the narrative further, posting a video that had ChatGPT translate the phrase “Ninety minutes at the Bernabeu are very long” into multiple languages.
This is all part of the mind games as they prepare for a comeback attempt.
Arsenal’s Dominance and Real’s Struggles
Despite the bluster in Madrid, Arsenal has looked dominant, particularly in the first leg.
Kylian Mbappe and PSG hardly posed a threat in the London fixture, and Real’s defense has been far from convincing throughout the season.
With defensive frailties still evident, it’s hard to see Madrid managing to hold off Arsenal while chasing such a big deficit.
A Critical Test for Arteta and Arsenal
With Liverpool poised to clinch the Premier League title and Arsenal throwing everything into their Champions League run, Arteta’s men know it’s now or never.
Arteta has spoken about maintaining a steely resolve heading into the Bernabeu, and this will surely be put to the test if Real Madrid gets an early goal.
The atmosphere will be intense, especially with the roof closed at the Bernabeu, and it will be a crucial moment to prove Arsenal’s readiness for the semi-finals.
The question remains: can Arsenal withstand the pressure, or will Real pull off an extraordinary comeback?
