Mikel Arteta praised Arsenal’s performance after their dominant 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final. He highlighted the importance of individual brilliance, particularly Declan Rice's free-kicks, and emphasized that while the tie is not over, the team must remain focused.
Mikel Arteta praised his team for their "complete performance" after Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final. Reflecting on the victory, Arteta highlighted the importance of individual quality and collective effort, particularly Declan Rice's standout free-kicks. The manager acknowledged that the win was a result of hard work and belief, with the team showing great resolve against one of Europe’s best.
Arteta emphasized that while the result was promising, the tie was far from over, urging his players to stay focused and improve for the second leg in Madrid. He also spoke about the magical atmosphere at the Emirates, which contributed to the team's performance. Despite the victory, Arteta remained grounded, reminding his squad that the challenge was only half-complete and that they must elevate their game further in Madrid. He also downplayed concerns about injuries to Rice and Bukayo Saka, describing the knocks as not serious.
Looking ahead, Arteta expressed confidence in the team’s ability to handle the pressure, noting the importance of taking it "one step at a time."
