Mikel Arteta is banking on Arsenal's "super strength" to beat Real Madrid as the Spaniard issued a rallying cry before their Champions League meeting.
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Arsenal into UCL QFsFace Real Madrid next in EuropeArteta 'super convinced' they can progressFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Arteta issued a powerful call to arms as Arsenal prepare to host Real Madrid in one of the most significant Champions League fixtures in the club’s modern era. The Emirates Stadium will be buzzing with anticipation as the Gunners look to assert themselves against a Real Madrid outfit that has been synonymous with European glory. With at least 180 intense minutes ahead in this quarter-final, Arteta knows the margin for error is minimal and the belief among players and supporters must be absolute.
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Arteta wants the Emirates to be united come kick-off: "8pm, 11 players, 60,000 people need to be really super convinced that we are ready to win and to beat them. With all the ups and downs and things that we have to deal with, we need to continue to do that because that’s our super strength."
For the Spaniard, the sense of occasion is not lost. "It’s a joy to prepare the game, to look at them, just to look at the reaction of people and how we feel about ourselves coming into a game of this magnitude," he shared. "The excitement around the club, the people, this is the stage that we want to be and where Arsenal has to be consistently. We are very proud to be there, and now we’re very ready."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Los Blancos may arrive with prestige and pedigree, but their recent form has shown signs of vulnerability. Carlo Ancelotti’s men suffered a gut-wrenching 2-1 home defeat to Valencia in stoppage time over the weekend, a loss that dented their domestic title ambitions. Just days prior, they endured a dramatic Copa del Rey encounter, requiring an Antonio Rudiger late winner to overcome Real Sociedad 5-4 on aggregate. These stumbles, although rare, provide Arsenal with a glimmer of hope – evidence that even the most seasoned contenders can be rattled under pressure.
AFPWHAT NEXT?
Arsenal are said to be planning pre-game festivities, including a supporter tifo and fireworks, in order to help ramp up the atmosphere. The club are also offering deals on drinks pre-match for those who make their way into the stadium early.