Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that Real Madrid’s legacy of dramatic comebacks in Europe is undeniable, as his side prepares for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash with the Spanish giants.
The Gunners carry a commanding 3–0 lead into Wednesday’s match, following a dominant first-leg display at the Emirates Stadium last week.
Despite the deficit, Spanish media have continued to back Los Blancos to pull off another famous turnaround—a sentiment not lost on Arteta.
“It’s part of their history and they’ve earned the right to talk about these scenarios,” the Spaniard said during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. “Our mindset is different in how we have the best chance to be better than them.”
When asked whether Arsenal fear Madrid’s aura and success in the competition, Arteta was quick to set the record straight.
“Fear? I wouldn’t use that word,” he responded. “Respect, admiration for what they’ve done in the competition as a club over the years. The history that they have and the values that they defend. Unbelievable, amazing. An inspiration to any coach or manager.”
Arteta’s men are now just 90 minutes away from reaching their first Champions League semi-final since 2009, but they’ll need to maintain composure and focus against a Madrid side known for rewriting the script on European nights.