London Corny, UK – April 7: Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta will attend a press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg Match held at the Soba Arti Training Centre in London Corny, UK on April 7, 2025. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC By Getty Images)
Arsenal is preparing for a Mammoth Champions League quarterfinal showdown against 15-time winner Real Madrid.
The Champions League remains Arsenal’s only realistic shot in Silverware this season, as both Premier League leader Liverpool fell 11 points late from the domestic Cup.
The title race is not mathematically finished, but the odds that Mikel Arteta’s team catch up are piled up well.
Despite domestic dissatisfaction, Arsenal looked sharp in Europe. After finishing third in the group stage, the Gunners hit PSV 7-1 from home, giving them a 2-2 draw with the Emirates, and cruised 16 rounds with a total of 9-3.
Now they are facing Real Madrid. It is a team famous for its most decorated clubs in Europe and for its creepy ability to find victory in the Champions League, even at its best.
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal really came under him
Prior to the collision, Mikel Arteta highlighted the transformations that Arsenal had been undergoing since his arrival.
He acknowledged Madrid’s challenge, but reminded critics how far the team has come within his leadership.
The Arsenal boss praised his team for their growth and revealed that his players are ready for the challenge
Arteta told reporters:
“When I took over, we were very far from the Champions League qualifiers! Forget to play two quarter-finals in 15 years. But that’s the club’s achievements and the way they made many good decisions.
“I love competing with the best competition and challenging the best competition. We are in very special competitions. There is no history in terms of winning it. No one has more hunger and desire than us.
“The team gave them a lot of arguments that they believe and think we can beat the opposition. Now we have to do that. We don’t talk much.
Defeating Madrid is a massive road to the final
If Arsenal overcomes Real Madrid, they will face the winner of PSG vs Aston Villa in the semi-finals.
Convictions have skyrocketed in camp and to play for everything, Arsenal is now facing the ultimate test of their temperament. If they truly announce themselves at the greatest stages of Europe, it starts with conquering the king of competition.