Arsenal play host to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night, in what is arguably the club’s biggest game for several years.
The Gunners have been involved in numerous title races over the last 15 years, but no single game has had as much riding on it as the two clashes with Los Blancos that take place over the next week.
Arsenal drew with Everton on the weekend in their final outing before the quarter-final first leg, with Mikel Arteta’s side struggling to overcome a stern low block from the Toffees.
They shouldn’t have this issue against Carlo Ancelotti’s men, who are unlikely to sit deep at the Emirates on Tuesday night, but will present a completely different proposition.
Mikel Arteta sends message to Arsenal fans ahead of Real Madrid clash
Real Madrid faced criticism from the Spanish media after they lost at home to Valencia on the weekend.
The Spanish giants are now four points behind Barcelona in La Liga, and thus, the pressure is growing on La Casa Blanca to win European silverware.
This certainly won’t be an easy task for Ancelotti’s side, who will be met with a ferocious atmosphere at the Emirates on Tuesday.
Speaking about those attending the game in N5 in his pre-match press conference, Arteta told the Gunners faithful to bring the noise, whilst stressing the magnitude of the match.
“Be super convinced, 8pm tomorrow night, 11 players, 60,000 people will be super convinced that we are ready to win and be ready to beat them,” the Arsenal boss said.
“That’s the mindset that I want. The rest, be the team that we’ve been over the last quarter of the season, with the up and downs and the things that we’ve had to deal with and continue to do that because that’s our super strength.
Asked if nights like this was why he came into football, Arteta responded: “100%. It’s a joy to prepare the game, to look at them, just to look at the reaction of people and how we feel about ourselves coming into a game of that magnitude.
“The excitement around the club, the people. This is the stage we want to be, where Arsenal has to be consistently and we are proud to be there.”
Bukayo Saka echoes Mikel Arteta’s message to fans
Bukayo Saka returned to action last week after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, and he’ll no doubt be raring to go against Real Madrid.
The English winger will be pivotal to any threatening attacking moments Arsenal are able to generate on the night.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Saka echoed Arteta’s message to the fans.
“The players are ready, we’re up for it,” he said.
“I honestly have no doubt that the fans tomorrow will be up for it as well and will create the most beautiful atmosphere the Emirates has ever witnessed.”
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