As Arsenal prepare for one of their biggest European nights in recent history, manager Mikel Arteta has urged his team to ignore the noise surrounding Real Madrid’s famed comeback ability and focus solely on delivering another high-level performance at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Gunners carry a 3-0 advantage into the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, but Arteta knows that history, narrative, and pressure could all play a role.

Real Madrid’s legacy of dramatic comebacks what many fans and pundits call a “remontada” has dominated the pre-match discourse. But Arteta is adamant that his side must block out the distractions and show the same bravery and dominance that earned them their first-leg win.

“It’s impossible to block out the noise,” Arteta admitted during the pre-match press conference. “But we have to do our talking on the pitch. Our mindset, preparation, and thoughts are focused on being better than them in the aspects that are crucial in the game.”

The Arsenal boss emphasized that his team’s approach would not be one of containment or caution. Instead, they will look to win the match outright and continue asserting their style. “We have to be brave, dominant, and determined,” Arteta stated. “We have to have the conviction that we can be better than them and win the game.”

Arteta’s confidence is underpinned by impressive defensive statistics: his Arsenal side have not conceded more than two goals in a single game across 79 matches a testament to their solidity and consistency. The Spaniard also confirmed that key players Ben White and Thomas Partey are available for selection, though midfielder Jorginho will miss out due to injury.

Arsenal are aiming to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009. The stakes are high, but Arteta encouraged his players to embrace the occasion rather than fear it. “When you want to create history, build a story, first of all, you have to be excited, really prepared, and really convinced about what you want to achieve,” he said.

With kick-off set for 8 PM UK time at the legendary Bernabéu, Arsenal will seek to finish the job they started in London. For Arteta, it’s not about surviving Madrid’s storm it’s about rising above it and writing a new chapter in Arsenal’s European journey.