MADRID (FN) Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his side will approach Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid with confidence and discipline, insisting the Gunners must “go toe-to-toe” with Diego Simeone’s men to secure a place in the final.
Speaking ahead of the clash at the Metropolitano Stadium, Arteta emphasized that Arsenal’s recent victory over Newcastle has given the squad momentum. “We want to be dominant and proactive. We cannot wait until the second leg to decide the tie it starts tomorrow,” he said.
Arteta confirmed that Kai Havertz will miss the game through injury, but Riccardo Calafiori and Bukayo Saka are available. He acknowledged Atletico’s pedigree, describing them as “remarkable” and warning his players to manage key moments carefully against their counter-attacking style.
Arsenal, who last reached the Champions League final in 2006, are aiming to make history under Arteta. Atletico, meanwhile, are seeking a third final appearance under Simeone after eliminating Barcelona in the quarter-finals.
Reactions have been mixed. Former striker Paul Dickov told Sports Mole that Arsenal must remain patient against Atletico’s “horrible” defensive style, while fans on social media expressed cautious optimism, recalling the Gunners’ 4-0 group-stage win over Atletico last October but wary of Simeone’s knockout pedigree.
Analysts argue Arteta faces a balancing act between chasing the Premier League title and committing fully to Europe. Yet the manager insists his squad is ready for the challenge, saying, “We have shown consistency in Europe this season. Now we must show courage.”
The match kicks off Wednesday night in Madrid, with Arsenal hoping to take a decisive step toward their first Champions League final in 20 years.
