Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says the Gunners are well placed to reach their second Champions League final when they face Atletico Madrid.
After the heartbreak of last season’s semi-final exit to eventual winners PSG, Arteta insists his squad is better prepared for the pressure this time around.
Last year, Arteta guided Arsenal to their first semi-final in 15 years.
Now, after a disappointing FA Cup exit to Southampton, a gritty 1-0 win over Newcastle at the weekend has restored the feel-good factor in North London.
Speaking to the press ahead of the first leg in Spain, Arteta was adamant that his team is peaking at the right time.
“It was a massive win for us against Newcastle. You could sense straight away the energy, the confidence coming into this game. It’s a massive privilege to be here again two years in a row in the semi-final of the Champions League, representing our club,” he said.
“What an opportunity. We’re going to grab it with both hands. You’re going to see a team that wants to be dominant, that wants to win it, and that wants to start to decide the tie tomorrow.”
While Atleti come into this clash having dumped Barcelona out in the quarter-finals, Arsenal boast a formidable record of their own: they are the only unbeaten team left in this year’s competition.
“We know the difficulty of the match, but I think we have shown in Europe, in any ground, what we are capable of,” Arteta noted.
“We’ve been very consistent, and tomorrow we have to play with that confidence, with that desire, and that will to come here to win the game.
“That’s the way we are all feeling, and that’s the energy that I feel amongst the team and the club. This is the stage that we want to be in, and we have earned it. Through incredible work, passion, and quality.”
Where to watch Atletico Madrid v Arsenal: TV channel, live stream
The match will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports, with coverage also accessible via the discovery+ streaming platform.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm BST on Wednesday.
