Arsenal star in confident mood ahead of Real Madrid showdown – ‘We have the momentum’ | OneFootball

David Raya appeared alongside Mikel Arteta in Arsenal’s pre-match press conference, ahead of their high-stakes Champions League encounter against Real Madrid.

Following a 3-0 win in the first leg, the English team only needs to hold off the pressure from Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in order to secure a place in the semis.

What David Raya said ahead of Real Madrid clash

Addressing the press, Raya talked about Real Madrid and their chances of pulling off a comeback win in the second leg.

The goalkeeper, though, offered a rather diplomatic answer and only wanted to focus on all things Arsenal.

“The idea is to play the same way. We are doing well and our goal is to win like we did in the first leg,” he said (h/t MARCA).

“We have the confidence to do what we did in the first match and win.”

Raya went on to add that Arsenal have the momentum thanks to their first leg win, even though the Gunners are actually coming on the back of a draw with Brentford at the weekend.

“We have the momentum, the way we played in the first leg, we are here to make history and we are here to win. That is the most important thing,” he said.

Raya repeatedly stressed the importance of focusing on the task ahead, stating, “We have to focus on what we have to do and things will go well.”

David Raya is focused on the second leg tie against Real Madrid (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

David Raya was about the first leg performance, but the goalkeeper admitted that it is not something Arsenal are thinking about right now.

“I don’t think this is something that is talked about a lot in the dressing room. I think we are very focused on what we have to do tomorrow and the past is the past,” he said.

When asked about playing at the Bernabeu, Raya replied, “Playing in the Champions League makes me know that I will be playing against the best. We performed well last season and we are starting to do the same this season.”

“We have very good players and they are all ready for the challenge. We have to do the same as we did in the other match. We have to be focused and ready for whatever can happen,” he added.

With 46 competitive appearances for Arsenal this season, Raya has been an ever-present figure in Mikel Arteta’s defensive scheme.

The Spaniard hasn’t disappointed either, picking up 17 clean sheets, six of which have come in the Champions League this season.

When asked about any potential goalkeeping mistakes at the Bernabeu, Raya said, “I’m thinking about the match and we’ll see what happens.”

Finally, Raya was asked about Carlo Ancelotti and the confidence he has in his team heading into the seconed leg.

The goalkepeer admired the confidence, stating, “He seems completely convinced of winning the match. That’s how you win on the pitch.”