Arteta: The team will fight for victory from the first minute, giving them a chance to reach the Champions League final.

The second leg of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League semi-final will take place, with Arsenal hosting Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta stated that the chance to reach the final is now within reach and emphasized that the team will fight for victory from the first minute.

In the first leg of the semi-final, Arsenal took the lead with a penalty from Dzekeresh, but conceded a penalty to Alvarez in the second half.

Ultimately, Arsenal drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid away from home, meaning the suspense of advancing to the final will not end until the second leg.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said at a press conference, "I can't wait. I can feel the energy between the team and the fans, and this is the moment we want to experience together. As a club and a team, we have worked hard for 20 years to get back to this position, and now we are extremely eager to win tomorrow's game and reach the final."

"This is incredibly exciting and something we've been longing for. It's hard to put into words how much we want to experience this moment, especially in front of our fans who have been waiting for so long. We must give it our all tomorrow because something extraordinary is going to happen."

Arteta emphasized, "When faced with such an opportunity, it means we are ready to seize it, and the team will strive for victory from the first minute."

“Everything I see every day gives me reason to believe in these players and makes me convinced that we can do it in any environment, against any opponent. That’s football, and we have to prove it in the game.”

Furthermore, thanks to Dzekeresh's brace and Saka's goal, Arsenal secured a 3-0 home victory against Fulham in the earlier Premier League match, boosting the players' confidence.

Arteta said, "This is ideal preparation for us. We have done our best in both the preparation process and the schedule. The team is full of energy and ready to move forward."

"This victory has left all the players, the team, and the fans feeling very good. Now we need to continue this momentum, because that's exactly what we need."

Image source: Internet