Arsenal faces Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Viktor Gyokeres emphasizes the importance of the match as they aim to leverage home advantage at the Emirates.
“We know what’s at stake”: Gyokeres rallies Gunners for Atletico semi as Emirates set for thunderous decider
Viktor Gyokeres has said Arsenal know what is at stake as the Gunners face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals tonight.
Arsenal welcome Atletico Madrid to North London for the second leg of their semi-final tie. The clash is perfectly poised after a 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital last week, and Arsenal will hope to make home advantage count at the Emirates.
The Gunners have reached theChampions League final just once before, two decades ago. Gyokeres, who scored in the first leg and twice against Fulham at the weekend, is relishing the opportunity.
"It's amazing to play this game at home. We know what's at stake, and of course, we have an amazing opportunity to have a great game tomorrow and to enjoy it with the supporters, but we have to do it on the pitch, and of course, with our amazing support, I think it can be a great night," he said at apre-game press conference.
"I think there’s a good feeling in the dressing room. I think we are very excited with every game that's coming now so it's just to prepare and to show that energy on the pitch."
Arsenal aims to advance to the Champions League final, a feat they achieved only once two decades ago.
The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving the tie evenly poised for the second leg at the Emirates.
Viktor Gyokeres is a key player for Arsenal, having scored in the first leg and contributing goals in recent matches.
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Gyokeres was the decisive player as Sweden qualified for the 2026 World Cup in March. The 27-year-old scored four goals across his country's two play-off games, including the late winner against Poland to book Sweden's place at the tournament. He said he is ready to make an impact in another 'massive game'.
"I’ve played these games before and these kind of moments where it's important to win football matches, like when I was with the national team a month ago when we had to win the games to go through to the World Cup.
"I think tomorrow is going to be another massive game and I think it's just a great opportunity and an amazing position to have this opportunity.
"I think it's going to be a tough game like it was in Madrid. I think Atletico have a great team, they have a lot of attacking quality and we know that they're dangerous there so of course we have to do that part well and then do what we're good at when we have the ball."