Arsenal Give Arteta The Most Proud Night Against Real Madrid

Mikel Arteta enjoyed the most beautiful night when Arsenal eliminated Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals (Instagram/@arsenal).

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta is targeting the glory of the Champions League after celebrating the proudest night as Arsenal Manager on Thursday, April 17, 2025, when the Gunners eliminated defending champions Real Madrid to reach their first semifinals since 2009.

On a dramatic night at the Santiago Bernabeu, Bukayo Saka missed a penalty in the first half before opening the scoring in the 65th minute with a fine finish.

Vinicius Junior equalized two minutes later, but Gabriel Martinelli scored in injury time to give Arsenal a 2-1 win that night and a 5-1 aggregate win.

The victory led the Gunners to the semifinals of the two legs against Paris Saint-Germain starting April 29, 2025.

"The feeling we have is basically reality. The inner feelings I have before the game that when the players are excited and how ready we are, we are ready to compete with anyone."

"Now we have to keep doing it because I think we have momentum. I think our job goal is to make our people happy."

"Hopefully, they feel very proud of the players and the team. Now, let's try harder," said Arteta.

Saka's failure in the 13th minute occurred when he tried to kick the Panenka chip which Thibaut Courtois parried.

However, Arteta did not want to have a problem with it. Instead, he threw a joke at the attacker.

"I don't want to die, but maybe I want to slap him! He made that decision, he was brave enough to do it."

"I care more about the emotional side, what he can do for us," Arteta joked after the game.

Meanwhile, Saka also played down the mistake after the game and said his focus was enjoying a brilliant win for the Gunners.

"It could have happened. I tried something, but it didn't work. I'm sure I'll score tonight."

"I study at every moment. Tonight, I am more focused on enjoying the victory and then I will review it properly," said Saka.

Apart from that, Arteta admitted that before visiting Bernabeu, he had asked for advice from Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola.

As is known, he is still in close employment with Guardiola after three years under his tutelage as a coach at the Etihad Stadium.

"I called him because I was here thanks to him. As a player and coach, he has been an inspiration to me."

"I had an amazing four years with him. And I will always thank him," said Arteta.