Mikel Arteta aims to create Champions League history with Arsenal against Real Madrid

Arsenal coach sees quarter-final clash with Real Madrid as a turning point in the club’s European journey.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaks at a press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League 2024/25 quarter-final first leg at Sobha Realty Training Centre on April 7, 2025, in London Colney, England. Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Mikel Arteta aims to create Champions League history with Arsenal against Real Madrid, as The Gunners prepare to host the reigning European champions at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, April 9 at 02.00 WIB. The Spanish coach believes that this pivotal quarter-final clash offers a rare and powerful opportunity for Arsenal to reshape their identity on the European stage.

“We will create our own story and go further. Tomorrow is a beautiful opportunity for all of us,” Arteta said during his press conference, as quoted on Arsenal’s official website. With passion and determination evident in his tone, Arteta made it clear that his squad is not intimidated by the magnitude of the moment—or by the elite names lining up on the opposite side.

Arteta's long-term vision for Arsenal in Europe

Since taking charge of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has rebuilt the team from the inside out. Under his leadership, The Gunners have returned to the top tier of English football, consistently competing at the highest level. But while domestic progress has been impressive, European glory remains elusive—something the coach is determined to change.

Arteta openly acknowledged the club’s limited success in the UEFA Champions League, noting that Arsenal have only reached this stage of the competition twice in the last 15 years. For a club of Arsenal’s stature, with its rich history and passionate global fanbase, that statistic feels out of place.

“It’s a competition we’ve been waiting for for years, considering the fact we’ve only been at this stage twice in 15 years with the size of Arsenal and the level of difficulty,” Arteta explained.

His statement speaks to both the challenges and the hunger that fuel the North London side. With a new generation of talented players and a clear tactical identity, Arsenal appear poised to take a meaningful step forward on the European stage.

This isn’t the first time Arsenal and Real Madrid have crossed paths in Europe. Their only previous Champions League encounter came in 2006, also in the quarter-finals. Arsenal famously triumphed in that tie, edging the Spanish giants 1-0 on aggregate thanks to a goal from Thierry Henry at the Santiago Bernabéu. It was a defining moment in the club’s history, eventually leading to their only appearance in a Champions League final.

That sense of history is not lost on Arteta. But rather than rely on nostalgia, he wants his current squad to carve out their own narrative.

“History is there, and we respect it. But we are not here to repeat the past. We are here to write our own chapter,” he said.

The challenge is immense. Real Madrid come into this tie with a formidable squad, including world-class players like Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and seasoned veterans such as Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. They are not just defending champions—they are 15-time European champions, and arguably the most successful club in the competition’s history.

The Emirates factor: home support as a weapon

One major advantage in Arsenal’s corner is the setting. The first leg will take place at the Emirates Stadium, a ground that has become a fortress under Arteta’s reign. The Spanish manager believes the atmosphere on the night will be critical.

“We need our people with us,” he emphasized. “We want the Emirates to be electric, to be hostile for the opponent, and to give us that extra edge.”

Arsenal fans have responded passionately in recent years, especially in big games. From European nights to Premier League showdowns, the Emirates crowd has evolved into one of the most vibrant and intimidating in the league. That energy will be vital against a Real Madrid side that thrives on high-pressure situations.

Much of Arsenal’s Champions League campaign so far has been defined by the performances of young talents like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, William Saliba, and Gabriel Martinelli. These players have grown into their roles under Arteta, showing maturity well beyond their years.

Saka, in particular, has become a talisman for the team, regularly producing goals and assists in key moments. Ødegaard, a former Real Madrid player himself, will be eager to lead his current club to victory over his former employers. That personal connection only adds more intrigue to an already compelling matchup.

Arteta has consistently placed his faith in youth, combining raw talent with clear tactical instruction. He believes that even the youngest players in his squad are capable of standing toe-to-toe with the best in Europe.

A strategic battle of minds

On the touchline, Arteta will face off against Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most decorated managers in Champions League history. The Italian tactician brings a wealth of experience and calmness to Madrid’s dugout. But Arteta, often praised for his attention to detail and innovative approach, is ready for the challenge.

“This is where the best face the best—not just players, but coaches too,” he said. “We have a plan, and we believe in it.”

Arteta’s tactical acumen will be put to the test. Real Madrid are notorious for finding moments of brilliance even when the odds are against them. Managing transitions, set pieces, and maintaining composure in key phases of the game will be critical.

No matter the outcome of this first leg, Mikel Arteta has already established a new tone at Arsenal—one defined by belief, ambition, and unity. But to truly change the club’s European trajectory, results are necessary. Beating Real Madrid over two legs would be a transformative achievement, not just for this season, but for Arsenal’s long-term reputation in Europe.

“It's about belief,” Arteta concluded. “If we want to win the Champions League, we have to beat the best. And Real Madrid are the best. But we’re ready.”

As the clock ticks toward kickoff, Arsenal fans around the world will be watching with hope and expectation. For Mikel Arteta and his players, this is more than a match. It’s a moment—a chance to make history, to inspire a generation, and to take one massive step toward the top of European football.