Mikel Arteta exclusive: 'So much to do' – Arsenal boss issues rallying cry ahead of Bernabeu showdown with Real Madrid in UEFA Champions League
Updated 16/04/2025 at 07:36 GMT+1
Mikel Arteta has urged his "big players" to stand tall as Arsenal head to Spain. The Gunners are looking to reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009, and hold a 3-0 lead from the first leg of their last-eight tie against Real Madrid. The Arsenal manager is wary of what Los Blancos are capable of though, warning his side "there is still so much to do" to progress.
Arteta on how Arsenal plan to rise up to 'big moment' against Real Madrid
Video credit: TNT Sports
Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal still have "so much to do" if they are to book their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
The Gunners are in the Spanish capital to take on Real Madrid in the second leg of their last-eight clash, with the match live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
They hold a 3-0 lead from the reverse fixture in London.
But Los Blancos have proved to be the comeback kings in European football, overturning first-leg deficits against the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the past - although never from a three-goal deficit.
Arteta insisted his side are wary of what Carlo Ancelotti's side are capable of, but said they will not be heading to the Bernabeu to park the bus.
"It's a big moment for the club," he exclusively told TNT Sports. "This is where we have to be. This is where we belong.
"It's one of the reasons why I came and decided to manage this football club, to take it back to the top.
"The mindset and conviction is that we are here to win the game. That is the most important thing. And that we play with courage and determination, and we take [from] the game what we want.
"It's half-time; there's still so much to do. Obviously you have to earn the right to be in the semi-final.
"In order to do that, you're going to have some really beautiful moments, some really difficult moments, and you have to really enjoy and embrace those to earn the right to be in the semi-finals."
Declan Rice scored a pair of stunning free-kicks in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, before Mikel Merino converted a wonderful first-time finish deep in the second half.
That gives Arsenal a commanding lead as they head to the Spanish capital.
It also means they remain unbeaten against Real Madrid, having registered a 1-0 aggregate victory over Los Blancos en route to the 2006 final.
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Highlights: Rice magic as Arsenal stun Real Madrid on famous night
Video credit: TNT Sports
The performance at the Emirates Stadium got tongues wagging, with some describing the display as Arsenal's best of the season.
Arteta responded: "I understand that obviously because of the context, the situation, the opposition that we had in front [of us], that people talk about that.
"We did really well. We dominated many phases that are so necessary to beat a team like Real Madrid. Tomorrow we are going to have a different one.
"[It will be] a very different contest and a very different situation, which I think the team is very prepared to handle. And the way we prepare the game is to come here to win it."
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'We need head, heart and b***s' - Ancelotti channels Alcaraz ahead of Arsenal return leg
Video credit: SNTV
The manager also reserved special praise for last week's match-winners, revealing even he was conflicted whether Rice should go for goal from the first free-kick.
"The first one, I had the doubt whether we were going to cross the ball or shoot like everybody else," he added. "I love that initiative for players.
"These big games are for big players. The individuals have to decide in critical moments of the game. We certainly had that and it helped a lot.
"I understand that people are talking about the two goals [from Rice]. I think the third one is a magnificent team goal.
"The way we build up the game, we free space and use it. The way we connect with each other, the timing of it and the finishing of Mikel [Merino], I think it was superb."
Arsenal are attempting to reach a Champions League semi-final for the first time since 2009, when they were beaten by Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United.
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Real Madrid face Arsenal in the two sides' UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday, April 16.
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