Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a passionate call to fans ahead of the club’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.
With the Gunners set to face the 15-time European champions, Arteta believes that home support could be the key to overcoming one of football’s most formidable sides.
Arsenal last faced Madrid in 2006, famously defeating them 1-0 on aggregate thanks to a Thierry Henry goal at the Bernabeu. Now, nearly two decades later, the North London club is back in the Champions League spotlight and eager to make history once again.
Speaking to the media, Arteta urged fans to arrive early and transform the stadium into a cauldron of noise and energy. “I encourage them to come very early to the warm-up and create those nights that we haven’t lived many of at the Emirates,” he said. “We’re going to put all the ingredients, everything that is in our hands, to play the game that we want and to take the game in the direction that we want.”
He continued, emphasizing the importance of fan involvement: “We’re going to need our people playing every single ball with us. That’s going to make a huge difference. At these stages, you need your home stadium to create a very special atmosphere to generate momentum.”
To support Arteta’s vision, the club is working with fan groups to unveil large tifos in both the Clock End and East Stand. A light show and pyrotechnics display are also planned to fire up the crowd and create a memorable European night.
Real Madrid, though defending champions, have shown vulnerability this season, having lost to Valencia and needing penalties to get past Atletico Madrid in the previous round. Arteta is confident that with the crowd fully behind them, Arsenal can capitalize on those cracks.
“Don’t just come to watch, come to play the game with us,” he said in a final rallying cry.
