Arsenal knocked out current UEFA Champions League holders Real Madrid in style on Wednesday night, with a 1-2 win at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu that came just eight days after they stunned los Blancos with three unanswered goals in North London.
Bukayo Saka redeemed himself after his first-half penalty miss when he broke the deadlock on the 65th minute, but moments later Vinícius Júnior gave the hosts hope when he tapped the ball home. It would be Gabriel Martinelli’s neat finish inside stoppage time that separated the two sides on the night.
Speaking post-match, Mikel Arteta expressed how proud he is of his players, but remained determined as he set his sights on the ultimate goal: winning Arsenal’s first UEFA Champions League title.
“I’ve probably not felt prouder: the manner in the way we did it, the amount of injuries we have had too, overall it shows our character and ambition.”
Declan Rice won the player of the match award in both fixtures, and has earned some high praise from his boss: “I think he was immense, the presence, power and composure that he showed with or without the ball – he turned the ball in our favour.”
Arteta expanded on the importance of the victory and how the momentum can help Arsenal going into the closing stages of the season, explaining that “we are very happy to compete against anybody and now we have to continue to do that because I think we have some momentum now.”
“It was my first time as a coach in that dugout today and after three minutes I realised that in this stadium, anything is possible.”
“They are specialist of creating chaos but I think my players showed their maturity.”
Saka has remained in Arteta’s good books, despite the penalty miss in the first half, Arteta assured fans.
“The way he handled the situation and the way he played afterwards, for his age and the first time he played in this stadium is incredible.”
“As a team, you can feel how hungry they are and this condition must go on.
“It’s great to be a part of history, we are really happy tonight but we have an amazing tie against PSG that we must get professional for.
“Thank you for all the supporters that follow us on this journey – let’s go for more.”