Mikel Arteta outlines the key to beating Real Madrid – ‘We are better than them’ | OneFootball

As Arsenal prepare to face Real Madrid in what is undoubtedly their biggest test of the season, Mikel Arteta is exuding calm and excitement.

The Spanish manager is well aware of the magnitude of the challenge but believes his team is ready to rise to the occasion.

Speaking ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash, Arteta didn’t treat the tie as a personal vindication or a point to prove. Instead, he described it as an opportunity.

“I feel excited,” he said. “We’ve been drawn against the opponent that we are all most excited about.

“Real Madrid are the kings of this competition, and not just because of history but because of what they continue to do on the pitch. This tie will demand our very best. So, come on—let’s go for it.”

Eliminating Real Madrid?

MIkel Arteta is confident. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Despite the positivity, the challenge is enormous. Arteta knows Real Madrid are unlike any other opponent. Asked what it would take to knock them out, he answered with clarity:

“First of all, that we are better than them. We believe it from the first minute and that in the decisive moments, we are clinical. Champions League ties are often settled in the boxes, and we need to be sharp.”

Still, even being the better side does not always guarantee success against Madrid—a point Arteta acknowledged with a chuckle.

“Maybe, but if you’re worse, the probability is much lower. In that case, we might not have a chance.”

He furthered that there is an emotional dimension that comes with playing against them—something that can’t be ignored.

Alongside that, there’s the tactical aspect, which includes both the patterns they consistently follow and the unpredictable moments they produce during a match.

“Real Madrid has a component, which is the emotional component. Then there’s the predictable part of what they normally do, and the absolutely unpredictable part, which are the moments.

“You can’t coach that. We can talk about it or try to predict it and try to cut it out, but it’s part of the game and of what they are and their greatness,” he added.

Arsenal are missing key players

Gabriel Magalhaes is out for the Real Madrid clash. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

One issue Arsenal face is the absence of Gabriel Magalhaes. The Brazilian defender is ruled out through injury, and his presence will be sorely missed both on and off the pitch.

“Gabi means more than what he offers during the game. His leadership, his presence, and his personality make him one of our key figures,” Arteta explained.

“But we’ve lost him and we must adapt. We’ll adjust and find another way to be effective.”

Meanwhile, this will also be a sentimental fixture for Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who once belonged to Real Madrid. Though Arteta did not dwell on the emotional narrative, it is another layer to an already rich contest.

Odegaard, now leading a new generation at Arsenal, has the chance to show just how far he has come since leaving the Bernabeu.

Source: Mundo Deportivo