Arsenal are set to face Real Madrid at a hostile Bernabeu on Wednesday night.
Los Blancos are eager to create a menacing atmosphere inside their historic home ground as they look to reverse a three-goal deficit.
However, Arsenal dismantled Real Madrid in the first leg, and on the basis of that performance, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have very little chance of breaching Mikel Arteta’s stern defence three times.
That said, La Casa Blanca legend Raul revealed that the Real Madrid dressing room is confident ahead of the second leg, and the Gunners will certainly have to be wary of the threat that the Spanish giants pose.
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Real Madrid fans reveal ominous banner for Arsenal players
Real Madrid have won the Champions League (or European Cup) a staggering 15 times, so Arsenal will be well aware of what their opponents are capable of in the competition.
Even when the La Liga side have looked completely out of European ties, they’ve found a way to progress.
However, Arsenal haven’t conceded more than two goals in a game since December 2023, and they’ll be confident that they can overcome this challenge.
The Real Madrid faithful are eager to make it as difficult as possible for the Gunners by cultivating an intimidating atmosphere, and this has already started.
A Los Blancos fan group have presented a banner outside the Bernabeu that reads, “90 minutes at the Bernabeu are very long.”
Mikel Arteta can cultivate his own atmosphere amongst his players before Real Madrid v Arsenal
There are some question marks about Arteta, but what certainly cannot be questioned about him is his ability to deliver in big matches.
While part of this is the Arsenal boss’ incredible tactical acumen, he’s also evidently a smart communicator and an effective motivator.
As shown by the Amazon documentary from the 2021/22 season, the Spaniard is able to galvanise his players and create a siege mentality.
The noise emerging from Madrid’s camp this week suggests that the European champions are desperate to create their own siege mentality, and Arteta will undoubtedly be using this as fuel to fire up his squad.
It’s set to be an all-time classic fixture that Gunners’ fans will remember for some time, and Arteta’s men will certainly come out all guns blazing.
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