Arteta warns Atletico will face Arsenal 'beasts' in Champions League

TL;DR

Mikel Arteta warns Atletico Madrid that Arsenal will play like 'beasts' in their Champions League semi-final second leg. The Gunners aim to reach their first final since 2006 after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Key points

Mikel Arteta expects Arsenal to play aggressively against Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal aims to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.
The Gunners drew 1-1 in the first leg of the semi-final.

ArsenalAtletico MadridBarcelonaParis Saint-Germain

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (Glyn KIRK) (Glyn KIRK/AFP/AFP) Mikel Arteta expects Arsenal to play like "beasts" against Atletico Madrid as they aim to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006. Arteta's side earned a 1-1 draw in the semi-final first leg in Madrid last week, putting them in position to finish the job at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. The Gunners have never won the Champions League, with their only final appearance ending in defeat against Barcelona 20 years ago. After losing to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals in 2025, Arteta said Arsenal are determined to go one step further this time. "We will take to the pitch as beasts tomorrow and enjoy the moment and go for it," he told reporters on Monday. "I can't wait. I feel the energy among the team and our supporters. This is the moment that we want to live together. "We have worked hard as a club and as a team after 20 years to be in this position again. And we are so hungry to get through to that final. "It is a feeling of huge excitement. So let's push hard, because something amazing is going to happen." Arteta is boosted by the availability of captain Martin Odegaard after he missed Saturday's win over Fulham in the Premier League. German forward Kai Havertz is also in contention as he returns from two games out with a knee injury. Premier League leaders Arsenal are searching for their first silverware since the 2020 FA Cup. Asked if he could visualise Odegaard lifting the Champions League trophy later this month, Arteta said: "I did that many years ago and it was the thing that I had in mind for this club. "You can never promise to win major trophies, but you can promise to work every single day by implementing the vision and being determined with the ideas and the decisions to make this club one of the best in Europe. "Here we are. Now we have to make the next step." Unlike this stage last season, Arteta resisted the urge to call on Arsenal supporters to "bring their boots and kick every ball" in order to carry their side to the final against PSG or in Budapest on May 30.. "I don't think a message is needed. It's what is at stake that says it all," he said. "But I can't wait to live this moment with our supporters, our people and generate something really, really special to get into that final. "Let's live this together, go grab it and let's make it happen." smg/lp

Q&A

What did Mikel Arteta say about Arsenal's performance against Atletico Madrid?

Mikel Arteta stated that Arsenal will take to the pitch as 'beasts' and are determined to enjoy the moment and push hard for victory.

When was the last time Arsenal reached the Champions League final?

Arsenal last reached the Champions League final in 2006, where they lost to Barcelona.

Who is available for Arsenal in the upcoming match against Atletico Madrid?

Captain Martin Odegaard and forward Kai Havertz are available for the match after recovering from injuries.

Arteta warns Atletico will face Arsenal 'beasts' in Champions League

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

Related Articles

Papers: Man Utd ready to spend £150m on three midfielders this summer

Carra: If Arsenal beat West Ham, they win the Premier League

Sheriff's deputy, umpire arrested after brawl at kids' baseball tournament in Mississippi

Bellingham, más vale tarde

Detroit Lions projected to have easiest 2026 NFL schedule

Braves reportedly cut $18M Gold Glove World Series champion to clear Sean Murphy roster spot

More from Sports