Arsenal are preparing for battle in Spain’s capital city as they take a three goal lead to the might of the Bernabeu.
Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of Thomas Partey heading into the second leg whilst Jorginho is already a confirmed absence for the clash.
Real Madrid are preparing to turn up the heat on Mikel Arteta’s side, Vinicius Jr has sent Arsenal a message whilst there are several gimmicks being prepared in order to create a hostile environment.
The Gunners will need to stay composed and use inspiration from their performance in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, meanwhile Josh Kroenke has broken his silence on the hopes of reaching the Champions League semi final.
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Josh Kroenke breaks silence on Arsenal’s Champions League victory
It was a day of mixed emotions for Kroenke as before Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 3-0, he had the unfortunate task of sacking coach Michael Malone in charge of the NBA side Denver Nuggets.
Speaking to DNVR Sports YouTube channel, Kroenke broke his silence on the day that Arteta’s side produced a stunning display but had a message for the team.
Kroenke stated: “Last Tuesday was the craziest Tuesday I could ever have imagined, I had the worst morning that I’ve had in over ten years with the Nuggets followed by the most amazing afternoon I could ever have asked for with Arsenal Football Club.”
Son of Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke, Josh went on to deliver an important message to the players amid his own troubles with the Nuggets.
Kroenke explained: “We beat Real Madrid three nothing in the quarter finals of the Champions League and we’re going into Spain this week with a chance to advance,
“They need to stay focussed, they got a lot of things they’re dealing with too but on a human level that was a rough Tuesday for me.”
Importance of first 15 minutes for Arsenal against Real Madrid
Kroenke’s words of ‘staying focussed’ will be ringing around the Gunners dressing room and Arteta and his coaching staff will be reiterating that the tie is far from over.
Dani Ceballos has warned Arsenal that the first 15-20 minutes of the game could prove pivotal in the tie and if Arteta’s side can weather the inevitable early storm, Real Madrid will become increasingly desperate.
Declan Rice showed his prowess on the counter attack against Brentford in the Premier League and Arsenal’s power in transitions could cause the defending champions problems in Spain.
It is important that the Gunners do not retreat and invite pressure on to them, whilst staying in a solid shape that is hard to break down. However, when they do get the ball, that is the time to be positive.
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