What Arteta told his squad before their biggest European test against Real Madrid | OneFootball

With pressure mounting and expectations rising, Arsenal showed composure on one of European football’s biggest stages. Arteta’s reaction said everything as he explains what the team discussed before the game.

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Arsenal booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years with a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, completing a 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid.

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sealed a historic result, and Mikel Arteta made it clear afterwards just how proud he was of his team.

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“I’m so happy, I think it’s the third time in our history, so I have to be very proud to be there again,” said Arteta. “The team has shown incredible ambition, courage and willingness to compete against any opposition.

“It’s not only the fact that we are there, I think it’s the manner in which we’ve done it, both in London and here in Madrid, so I’m really proud of the players.”

Despite taking a 3-0 lead into the second leg, Arteta maintained his side came to win, not protect the scoreline.

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“The only thing that we discussed over the last three days was that we’re coming here to win,” he said. “It’s not only about going through, it’s in the manner that we have to do it in, because we are capable of doing it. Setting those demands and that mindset is very important for the team.”

Saka missed a first-half penalty, but Arteta praised the 22-year-old for his response.

“With Bukayo, he stepped up, he didn’t score, obviously, that could be a turning point emotionally in the game because it gives him a lot of belief,” Arteta said. “But then the way he handled the situation, the way he played afterwards, and the personality that he showed at his age. It’s the first time he’s played in this stadium, it’s incredible.”

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Declan Rice was heavily involved throughout, with Arteta highlighting his influence: “He was decisive today in a different way, I think it was immense. His presence, the power that he showed, how composed he was, with or without the ball, I think he led the team in many moments and turns the game in our favour.”

On the broader picture, Arteta reflected on the progress Arsenal have made as a club.

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“It’s been quite different before because it was impossible to be in any round because the club wasn’t in the Champions League for seven years,” he said. “That shows you the turnaround, and a lot of great decisions that the club has made and the contribution a lot of people have made to be where we are. It’s a team that you can feel today how hungry, how determined and ambitious that is to go. We’re going for more, for sure.”

Martinelli scored Arsenal’s second goal in stoppage time, and Arteta spoke to what it meant to reach this stage after so long.

“Probably not,” Arteta said when asked if he had ever felt prouder. “Not only because we’re in the semi-final for the third time in our history now, but also because of the way we did it. Not only because of the way we played, but also because of the circumstances, the amount of injuries we had. That shows the character of this team, of this club, and it’s a night to be very proud of.”

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Arteta also acknowledged the importance of Arsenal fans who travelled and supported the team throughout.

“Incredible – thank you so much to all the supporters that have been with us in this journey, in Madrid, around the hotel, and feeling that belief and support towards them,” he said. “I think it’s the purpose of our job to make our people happy. Hopefully, they feel very proud about the players and the team. Now, let’s go for more.”

Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final. Arteta concluded: “We are really happy tonight, certainly not satisfied. We have an amazing tie now against PSG, a team that we know really well and we have already played against, so, let’s start to prepare for that.”