David Raya fires warning to Real Madrid with Arsenal squad Champions League admission

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has revealed what the squad are feeling ahead of playing Real Madrid.

As Liverpool have one hand on the Premier League title, Arsenal’s only realistic route to silverware is in the Champions League.

Mikel Arteta’s side will face reigning champions Real Madrid in the quarter-final, in what is set to be a blockbuster over two legs.

While the 15-time Champions League winners are the favourites on paper, data puts Arsenal at an advantage to beat Real Madrid to progress to the semi-final.

• READ MORE: Real Madrid chances, Bukayo Saka injury return, Arsenal transfer plans – season in review so far

Arsenal squad excited to face Real Madrid in Champions League

Some members of the Arsenal squad are already watching Real Madrid closely, as Mikel Merino revealed on international duty.

The Galacticos have been on the Gunners’ mind since the tie was confirmed and vice versa, with Real Madrid fearful of Arsenal’s history between the clubs.

As we near the turn of the month, talk is heating up ahead of the clash, with David Raya the latest to comment on the quarter-final. 

“Everybody wants to win the Champions League and everybody knows how hard it is, but we are very, very excited,” Raya told Sky Sports. 

The shot-stopper will face arguably the world’s best front line, but instead of fearing the meeting, the Spaniard revealed that he and his teammates are ‘very excited’. 

“Now we have a big challenge ahead, playing against Real Madrid but this is the type of game that are the ones you really wanted to play when you were young.

“This is the type of game that everybody wants to play, so very, very excited to see where that goes.”

Several members of the squad are up to speed with what it’s like to face Ancelotti’s side of champions, but others at Arsenal have been asking questions about Real Madrid and the task that awaits.

Arsenal’s route to the Champions League final

Raya, like most associated with Arsenal, is excited for what awaits the Gunners in the quarter-final. 

Naturally, focus is on what Arteta’s squad can produce over two legs against Madrid, but what comes after the tie if Arsenal were to win?

In the event that Arsenal made the semi-final, one of Aston Villa or Paris Saint-Germain would stand in the way of the final.

A place in the final would see the North Londoners face one of Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich or Inter Milan.

With the nightmares of the 2006 final still prominent, Arteta has the chance to guide his squad to stardom, but it’ll be far from easy.