‘We’ll Play Like Beasts’: Arteta fires up Arsenal for Atletico clash

Mikel Arteta has vowed Arsenal will play like “beasts” against Atletico Madrid as they chase a place in the Champions League final for the first time since 2006.

The Gunners head into Tuesday’s semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium on level terms after earning a 1-1 draw in Madrid last week.

Arsenal eye first Champions League final since 2006

Arsenal have never won the competition, with their only final appearance ending in defeat to Barcelona 20 years ago, and Arteta says his side are determined to go one step further after last season’s semi-final exit to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

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“We will take to the pitch as beasts tomorrow, enjoy the moment and go for it,” Arteta told reporters on Monday.

“I can’t wait. I feel the energy among the team and our supporters. This is the moment we want to live together.

“We have worked hard as a club and as a team for 20 years to be in this position again, and we are so hungry to get through to that final.

“It is a feeling of huge excitement, so let’s push hard because something amazing is going to happen.”

Odegaard returns as Havertz pushes for comeback

Arteta has been boosted by the return of captain Martin Odegaard, who missed Saturday’s Premier League win over Fulham, while German forward Kai Havertz is also in contention after recovering from a knee injury.

Premier League leaders Arsenal are chasing their first major trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 2020.

Asked if he could envisage Odegaard lifting the Champions League trophy later this month, Arteta said: “I had that vision many years ago. It has always been in my mind for this club.

“You can never promise trophies, but you can promise to work every single day, implementing the vision and being determined with the ideas and decisions to make this club one of the best in Europe.

“Here we are. Now we have to make the next step.”

Unlike last season, Arteta declined to issue a specific rallying call to supporters, insisting the magnitude of the occasion speaks for itself ahead of a potential final against either PSG or Bayern Munich in Budapest on May 30.

“I don’t think a message is needed. What is at stake says it all,” he said.

“But I can’t wait to live this moment with our supporters, our people, and generate something really special to get into that final.

“Let’s live this together, go grab it and make it happen.”