Arteta on Sporting draw: They're a team with quality, warns manager | OneFootball

Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta, has already reacted to the clash with Sporting in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, after eliminating Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 – and after the Lions secured a dream night at Alvalade, beating Bodø/Glimt 5-0.

Without going into much detail, the Spanish coach clearly praised the Alvalade team, admitting he expects a very demanding tie: "Yes, it will be completely different [from last season’s match, which Arsenal won 5-1]".

"I watched the first half and, yes, they are a top team. It’s going to be very difficult. So, let’s enjoy this night and prepare ourselves, because we have a beautiful final to play on Sunday," added Mikel Arteta, speaking to TNT Sports late in the evening.

After the impressive comeback against Bodø/Glimt, Sporting heads into the clash with Arsenal full of confidence, in what promises to be one of the most balanced ties of this stage of the competition. The first leg will be played at Alvalade on April 7 or 8, with the second leg in London (14 or 15).

The green and white club returns to the pitch next Sunday, March 22, against Alverca. The match, counting for the 27th round of Liga Portugal Betclic, against the team coached by Custódio Castro, will be played at 18:00, at the opponent’s ground.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.