Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta was proud of his team after they qualified for the UEFA Champions League semifinals. The Gunners defeated the defending champions Real Madrid by 2-1 in the second leg quarterfinal and thus secured a 5-1 aggregate win against the 15-time champions.
Arteta now wants more from his players as they eye glory in Europe’s most prestigious tournament. Bukayo Saka scored in the 65th minute for the visitors, but Vinícius Júnior equalised two minutes later, however, Gabriel Martinelli scored in stoppage-time to seal the deal for Arteta’s team.
Arteta said: “The feeling that we have is a reality, basically. And the inner feeling that I had before the tie: while the players were transmitting and how prepared I could feel the team was, that we are ready to compete against anybody.
“Now we have to continue to do that because I think we have some momentum. I think it’s the purpose of our job to make our people happy. Hopefully, they feel very proud about the players and the team. And now, let’s go for more.”
Earlier in the game, Saka missed from a spot-kick while trying a Panenka chip, but Thibaut Courtois was able to save it.
Arteta joked: “I didn’t want to die but maybe I wanted to slap him! He made that decision, he was bold enough to do it. I was more concerned about the emotional part, what it could do for us.”
However, Saka said he was optimistic about scoring despite missing an early chance.
“It can happen. I tried something, but it didn’t work. I was confident I was going to score tonight,” Saka said. “I learn in every moment. Tonight, I am more focused on enjoying the win and then I will review it properly.”
Arteta gave his gratitude to Pep Guardiola, under whom he spent three years as assistant coach of Manchester City.
“I called him this morning because I am here thanks to him,” said Arteta. “As a player and a coach he has been an inspiration to me. I had four amazing years with him, and I will always be grateful to him.”
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