Arteta confident Arsenal can upset Real Madrid in Champions League showdown

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that his side can shock European heavyweights Real Madrid when both teams meet in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Gunners, still chasing their first-ever Champions League title, face a daunting task against the 15-time winners. But Arteta believes the moment is ripe for a breakthrough.

Biggest night of Arteta’s managerial career

“It is 100 percent the biggest night of my career,” Arteta told reporters on Monday. “That’s why I came into football, into management, and especially to this football club.”

The only previous European clash between the two clubs came in the 2005/06 Champions League Round of 16, where Arsenal emerged victorious. Arteta now wants to write a new chapter in the club’s history books.

“It’s been 20 years since we had this type of game,” said the Spaniard. “For us, it’s a great opportunity to build our own story. The excitement around the club and the magnitude of this match is huge. This is the stage we want to be on consistently.”

Full belief in team and fans to rise to the occasion

Arteta added: “At 8:00 pm tomorrow, 11 players, 60,000 fans — I am really super-convinced that we are ready to win and to beat them. That’s the mindset I want.”

Champions League now Arsenal’s best hope of silverware

With the Premier League title race slipping away — Arsenal are 11 points behind leaders Liverpool — the Champions League now appears to be their most realistic path to a trophy this season.

Arsenal were knocked out at this stage last season by Bayern Munich, but Arteta is determined to change the narrative. He’s expected to start Bukayo Saka for the first time in over three months, adding firepower to the Gunners’ attack.

Injuries ahead of first leg

“There is a massive gap there for so many years when nothing has happened in this football club in relation to European competitions,” Arteta admitted. “We need to change that quickly. It is just the first leg, but our intention is clear — we’re going for it.”

On the injury front, Jurrien Timber and Ben White — who featured in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Everton — are expected to be available. Jakub Kiwior is also in contention to start alongside William Saliba in defence, with Gabriel ruled out.