Arteta Praises Arsenal After Historic Win Over Real Madrid

• Apr 17, 2025

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he has never felt prouder after his team secured a place in the UEFA Champions League semifinals with a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory over Real Madrid. The Gunners will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the next round.

Speaking to the media after the match, Arteta praised the team's performance, calling it a historic night for the club. “This is only our third time in the Champions League semifinals, and the way we played tonight was special,” he said. “Despite the injuries we’ve had, the character shown by the players was incredible.”

Arteta singled out midfielder Declan Rice for his standout display, saying, “Rice showed his power and presence. He led the team well without the ball, and his contribution was key. These are the kind of players you need to step up during big moments.”

He also reflected on the belief running through the squad, noting how prepared the team felt heading into the match. “The feeling we had going in was strong. The players showed they were ready. We’re not just here to compete—we’re here to win.”

The match came with its share of pressure, and Arteta acknowledged how important the result could be for the team’s growth. “Facing a team like Real Madrid is a massive challenge. Tonight we proved we can compete with the very best. That kind of result helps turn us from challengers into real contenders.”

Arteta also spoke about Bukayo Saka, who missed a penalty that led to a goal for Madrid. “Saka’s reaction after that miss was all about character. He didn’t let it bring him down, and he stayed focused. That’s the kind of resilience we need.”

Reflecting on Arsenal’s journey, Arteta said, “Five years ago, if you told someone we’d reach the semifinals after beating Madrid, they’d laugh. The progress this club has made is unbelievable. The ambition is real—we’re not stopping here.”

He thanked fans for their support, describing the atmosphere at the Emirates as “incredible,” and looked ahead to the next challenge. “Now we prepare for PSG. We know them well, and we’ll be ready.” Arteta concluded by celebrating the achievement: “It feels amazing to be part of this history. We’ve beaten Madrid at home twice now. We’ll keep working for more.”