Manager Mikel Arteta has called on Arsenal to deliver a fearless and aggressive performance as they prepare for a crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
The Gunners head into the decisive clash at the Emirates Stadium after earning a 1-1 draw in Madrid, leaving the tie finely balanced and within their reach.
Arsenal are chasing history, aiming to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006, when they were defeated by Barcelona. Despite their strong domestic performances in recent years, the club has yet to win Europe’s premier competition.
Speaking ahead of the match, Arteta made it clear that his players are ready for the challenge and motivated by the magnitude of the occasion.
“We will take to the pitch as beasts tomorrow and enjoy the moment and go for it,” he told reporters.
“I can’t wait. I feel the energy among the team and our supporters. This is the moment that we want to live together.
“We have worked hard as a club and as a team after 20 years to be in this position again. And we are so hungry to get through to that final.
“It is a feeling of huge excitement. So let’s push hard, because something amazing is going to happen.”
The Arsenal boss also received a boost ahead of the game with captain Martin Odegaard returning to the squad after missing the weekend win over Fulham. Forward Kai Havertz is also back in contention following a brief injury layoff.
Currently leading the Premier League, Arsenal are still searching for their first major trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2020, adding further significance to their European campaign.
Reflecting on the possibility of lifting the Champions League trophy, Arteta said:
“I did that many years ago, and it was the thing that I had in mind for this club.
“You can never promise to win major trophies, but you can promise to work every single day by implementing the vision and being determined with the ideas and the decisions to make this club one of the best in Europe.
“Here we are. Now we have to make the next step.”
Arteta also expressed confidence in the support of the club’s fans but stopped short of issuing a rallying call, insisting the occasion speaks for itself.
“I don’t think a message is needed. It’s what is at stake that says it all,” he said.
“But I can’t wait to live this moment with our supporters, our people and generate something really, really special to get into that final.
“Let’s live this together, go grab it and let’s make it happen.”
Arsenal will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final if they progress, with the showpiece set for Budapest on May 30.
