Mikel Arteta credits Arsenal fans for Champions League win over Real Madrid

Arteta praises supporters and players after historic night at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauds the fans after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Arsenal Stadium on April 8, 2025, in London, England. Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Mikel Arteta credits Arsenal fans for Champions League win over Real Madrid, calling their support crucial to one of the club’s most memorable European nights. The Gunners delivered a stunning 3-0 first-leg victory in the Champions League quarter-finals at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday morning WIB, taking a strong advantage into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"You could see the crowd 15-20 minutes before kick-off already singing and bringing that energy, and I really believe in that," Arteta told Arsenal’s official website after the match. "The players felt it, and it made a huge difference."

From the first whistle, Arsenal looked determined and inspired, fueled by the electric atmosphere inside their home ground. Declan Rice scored twice—including a brilliant free-kick—while Mikel Merino added another to complete the dominant display against the 14-time European champions.

A magical night at the Emirates

The result wasn’t just impressive—it was historic. Real Madrid have long been the gold standard in European football, and few teams have managed to humble them in such a convincing fashion. Arteta acknowledged the scale of the achievement but kept his players grounded.

“It was a beautiful night on the biggest stage,” he said. “To beat a team that has won the Champions League more than anyone else makes it even more special.”

The Spanish manager, who played for Everton and Arsenal during his Premier League career, admitted that the Emirates had never felt more alive.

“I’ve never seen anything like that before,” Arteta said. “It was an extraordinary atmosphere and the players responded with an extraordinary performance.”

He specifically highlighted the role of Rice, who not only anchored the midfield but also stepped up with a moment of individual brilliance.

“It was a special night for Declan,” he added. “To score his first-ever free-kick goal in such a massive game, at home, in front of these fans—that’s a memory for life.”

Fans as the twelfth man

Arteta’s insistence that the fans helped “destroy” Real Madrid isn’t just flattery—it reflects his belief in the psychological and emotional power of the home crowd. The Emirates faithful were loud, passionate, and relentless throughout the match, creating an intimidating environment for the Spanish giants.

“The way they lifted us—it makes all the difference,” Arteta continued. “I truly believe that fans don’t just watch games, they shape them.”

The synergy between the team and supporters has been a major theme of Arteta’s tenure at Arsenal. Since taking charge in 2019, he has consistently spoken about building a connection between the squad and the fans, and that bond was on full display during this European showdown.

Tactical brilliance and individual excellence

While the supporters played their part, Arsenal’s tactical execution was also crucial. Arteta set up his side to press high, dominate possession, and take advantage of Real Madrid’s aging midfield. Rice and Jorginho formed a solid partnership, cutting off supply lines and launching quick transitions.

Up front, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli tormented the Madrid defense with pace and trickery, while captain Martin Ødegaard orchestrated attacks with composure and intelligence.

The second goal—Rice’s free-kick—sent the stadium into a frenzy. The midfielder curled the ball beautifully past the wall and into the top corner, leaving Thibaut Courtois rooted to the spot. It was a rare moment for Rice, who is known more for his defensive qualities than his finishing.

“I didn’t expect it myself,” Rice admitted post-match. “I’ve never taken a free-kick like that in a match before. But we practice them, and tonight, it just felt right.”

Not over yet: Arteta urges focus ahead of second leg

Despite the commanding lead, Arteta was quick to remind everyone that the job is far from finished. With the return leg set to take place at the Santiago Bernabeu, he warned against complacency.

“We have to raise the level again,” he said. “Real Madrid is not a team that you can ever count out. We need to be prepared to win again in Madrid.”

The second leg will be one of the toughest challenges of Arsenal’s season. The Spanish giants are known for their ability to turn things around at home, and Arteta is taking nothing for granted.

“Champions League football demands the highest level of focus,” he emphasized. “We enjoyed tonight, but now it’s time to prepare.”

A statement to Europe

The result sent a message not only to Real Madrid but to the rest of Europe—Arsenal are back and ready to compete with the best. It’s a culmination of years of rebuilding under Arteta, who has instilled belief, discipline, and attacking flair into a team that had long drifted from the elite level.

Now, with young stars like Rice, Saka, Ødegaard, and William Saliba forming the core of the team, Arsenal are building something sustainable and powerful. The Emirates Stadium, once criticized for being quiet, has transformed into a fortress.

And Arteta knows who deserves the credit.

“This was their night as much as ours,” he said of the supporters. “Together, we made something special happen.”

Arsenal will travel to Madrid with confidence, but also caution. Arteta’s measured response reflects his understanding of the game’s unpredictability. But if they can replicate the intensity and unity of the first leg, they will have every chance of finishing the job.

The dream of a Champions League semi-final—and perhaps more—is alive. And for Arsenal fans, who have endured years of frustration, nights like this are the reward.

As the crowd roared and the final whistle blew, there was a sense that something has changed. Arsenal are not just competing. They are leading.

And if Mikel Arteta has his way, they’re just getting started.