Arteta urges Arsenal to stay strong as Madrid eye dramatic Champions League comeback

Arteta motivates Arsenal players with messages of belief ahead of Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.

Arsenal FC head coach Mikel Arteta speaks during a press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, on April 15, 2025. Photo by Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

As Arsenal prepare to take on Real Madrid in one of the most anticipated UEFA Champions League quarter-final second legs in years, manager Mikel Arteta has taken a bold psychological approach. With a 3-0 first-leg advantage, Arteta urges Arsenal to stay strong, drilling into his squad the importance of mental fortitude ahead of the challenge that awaits at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta was clear: “We have tried to repeat the opposite message,” he said, referring to Madrid’s legendary reputation for pulling off comebacks in Europe. “In the brain of the players, what they have done in the last 72 hours is something completely different.”

These comments reveal a deliberate tactic by the Arsenal boss. He is shielding his team from the weight of Real Madrid's history in the Champions League—a competition they have won 15 times, including multiple dramatic comebacks at their imposing home ground. Instead of focusing on what Madrid might do, Arteta has filled his players’ minds with belief, calm, and resilience.

Arsenal silence the Bernabeu ghosts

Arsenal last reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2009 and are aiming to return to that stage by navigating a second leg that could turn volatile quickly. Arteta urges Arsenal to stay strong, especially considering the hostile atmosphere that awaits them.

“The players need to feel we are very close to them,” said Arteta. “Hopefully, that’s more powerful than anything else. You have to be there, you have to speak, you have to feel it, and you have to go through it.”

That emotional message underlines the importance of experience and mindset in elite football. While Arsenal’s youthful squad has dazzled this season with bold attacking play, they now face the biggest psychological test of their careers.

Arteta is not naive about the challenge. He stopped short of using the word “fear” when describing Real Madrid but admitted deep admiration for their legacy.

“I wouldn’t use that word,” he said. “I think respect and admiration is the right way to put it. What they’ve done in the competition is unbelievable—amazing, really. It’s an inspiration for coaches, managers, and players.”

“We are here to write our own history”

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya echoed his coach’s confidence. While Madrid are known for rewriting scripts in Europe, Raya insisted this Arsenal side is focused on forging its own narrative.

“We are here to write our own history,” he said. “That is what we want to do and that is what we want to achieve tomorrow.”

His words reflect a collective mentality instilled by Arteta. There is no intention of merely surviving the Bernabeu assault. Arsenal’s objective is to control the game, impose their identity, and possibly even win on the night.

“The intention is to win the game,” said Raya. “We know how we played in the first game, and we have to do the same again.”

Arteta reveals team news and emphasizes belief

Arteta also provided a brief squad update ahead of the match. He confirmed that Thomas Partey and Ben White are available for selection, boosting the Gunners’ midfield and defensive options. However, Jorginho will miss out due to injury.

The availability of Partey could be vital in disrupting Madrid’s rhythm in midfield, while White’s inclusion offers stability against a pacey counterattack. Despite the absentees, Arteta continues to preach positivity and belief.

“To be convinced that we can handle any situation, that’s the key,” Arteta said. “And we’re going to enjoy actually playing any kind of game that comes tomorrow.”

The emphasis on “enjoyment” may seem unusual, but it highlights Arteta’s attempt to keep his players mentally relaxed rather than burdened by pressure. The message is clear: the Bernabeu may roar, but Arsenal will not be overwhelmed.

Madrid’s threat looms large

Despite Arsenal’s strong advantage, the threat from Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid remains real. With attacking weapons like Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo, the Spanish side is more than capable of staging a comeback. The memory of their 2022 comeback against Manchester City still lingers in the Champions League consciousness.

But Arteta is refusing to let history dictate his team’s present. While others might dwell on Madrid’s past miracles, he’s focused on creating Arsenal’s future glory.

It’s a battle of mindsets as much as it is a tactical duel. Arteta’s methods, rooted in connection, confidence, and clarity, will be tested on the grandest stage. The outcome may hinge not just on talent but on who controls their nerves and executes their plan under pressure.

The final message: stay strong and believe

As kickoff approaches, the narrative from the Arsenal camp remains unchanged. Arteta urges Arsenal to stay strong, a mantra that has been reinforced again and again in training sessions and meetings.

This Arsenal team, built on Arteta’s philosophy of discipline, pressing, and fluid attacking play, has already shown remarkable maturity throughout the season. Now, they must pass one of football’s most demanding examinations.

Should they succeed, it will mark a milestone not just in the club’s modern era but in Arteta’s journey as a coach—a tactical innovator who isn’t afraid to challenge the weight of history with something as powerful as belief.

For Arsenal supporters, the dream of Champions League redemption is alive. For Arteta and his players, that dream will only be realized if they stay united, play fearlessly, and ignore the ghosts of the Bernabeu.

After all, as Arteta has reminded them for the past 72 hours, the past doesn’t matter—only what they believe they can do tonight.