Mikel Arteta convinced Arsenal can beat Real Madrid on ‘biggest night of career’

Mikel Arteta said he is convinced Arsenal can beat Real Madrid and write their own story by winning the Champions League.

A fired-up Arteta declared the first leg of Arsenal’s quarter-final clash against the Spanish giants at the Emirates on Tuesday night as “100 per cent” the biggest of his career so far as he bids to steer his side to the first European Cup in the club’s history.

Real have won the competition a record 15 times, and will start the two-legged tie – with the return game at the Bernabeu next week – as the favourites to secure a place in the semi-final.

19 years later. It's Real Madrid in N5 again. pic.twitter.com/xZSyyGyHpZ

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 7, 2025

Arsenal last played Real in 2006 when they met in the last 16, with a Thierry Henry masterclass at the Bernabeu paving the way for the Gunners to reach the final, where they suffered a narrow defeat to Barcelona.

“It is 100 per cent the biggest night of my career,” said Arteta, who has been in charge at Arsenal since 2019. “That’s why I came into football, and that’s why I came into management and especially to this football club.

“It’s been 20 years since we had this type of game and for us, it’s a great opportunity to build our own story and this is what we’re here for.

“The excitement around the club, the people, and the magnitude of this match. This is the stage we want to be at, and where Arsenal has to be consistently. We are very proud to be there, and now be very ready tomorrow to deliver.

“At 8pm tomorrow night, 11 players, 60,000 fans, I am really super convinced that we are ready to win and to beat them. That’s the mindset that I want.”

Despite Premier League leaders Liverpool’s defeat at Fulham on Sunday, the Champions League is set to be