Mikel Arteta is relishing the opportunity to return to the Parc des Princes, but he acknowledges the formidable challenge that awaits Arsenal in their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain. Arsenal secured their spot in the last four with an emphatic 5-1 aggregate victory over defending champions Real Madrid, marking their first semi-final appearance since 2009.
After holding a three-goal advantage from the first leg, Arsenal extended their lead in the second leg with a second-half strike from Bukayo Saka, who redeemed himself after missing a penalty earlier in the match. Although Vinicius Junior leveled the score for Real Madrid shortly after, Arsenal maintained control for the final 30 minutes, adding a stoppage-time goal from Gabriel Martinelli to seal a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Arteta expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, "It’s one of the best nights of my football career, for sure. We played against the team with the biggest history, who have been an inspiration to all of us in this competition. To be able to win the tie in the manner that we did it, I think we have to be very proud of ourselves." The victory over Real Madrid not only showcased Arsenal's determination but also highlighted the growth of a young team eager to achieve more.
Looking ahead to their semi-final against PSG, Arteta said, "It will be a special moment. We have to enjoy it first; it’s a great achievement for us." He praised PSG's manager, Luis Enrique, remarking, "I’ve been a big fan of Enrique for years. He’s an incredible coach and what he’s built with this team is special: this consistency, this way of playing, it will be difficult for us."
Arsenal's journey to the semi-finals has been remarkable, particularly given the injuries the squad has faced this season. Declan Rice, who was awarded man-of-the-match for his performance against Real Madrid, emphasized the importance of taking each match as it comes. "The semi-finals are massive for us. We want to take tonight in because we want to take it one step at a time. It’s PSG next who are an amazing team," Rice told TNT Sports.
Earlier in the group stage, Arsenal faced PSG and emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, courtesy of goals from Kai Havertz and Saka. However, Rice noted that PSG has improved significantly since their last encounter. "We feel they are a different team to back then. We’ve seen what they can do, but Aston Villa caused them a lot of problems," he explained, referencing Villa's competitive performance against PSG in their quarter-final tie.
Arteta's excitement about the upcoming match is palpable, especially considering his history with PSG, where he spent a formative loan spell during his playing career. He reflected on that connection, saying, "I’m happy to come back to the Parc des Princes. Yes, it will be special for me; I played there and I liked it. It was my debut as a pro."
The semi-final match against PSG is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess throughout the tournament. Arteta is aware of the challenges that lie ahead, especially against a team that has been in fine form. "They are on an incredible run at the moment. But we showed tonight that we can compete against any team," he stated confidently.
As Arsenal prepares for this crucial match, Arteta's focus is on building momentum and maintaining the belief that has propelled the team this far. "We are really hungry; we want more. It is a young team that is very determined. These experiences are going to help us to achieve something big," he noted.
Fans of Arsenal are undoubtedly excited about the prospect of their team competing at such a high level, and the players are equally motivated to make their supporters proud. Arteta emphasized the role of the fans in their success, saying, "Thank you so much to all the supporters that have been with us on this journey. 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."
The first leg of the semi-finals is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Emirates Stadium, and anticipation is building as Arsenal aims to continue their impressive run in the Champions League. With Arteta at the helm and a talented squad ready to take on PSG, the Gunners are poised to make history and potentially secure their place in the final.
As the excitement mounts, Arsenal fans can only hope that their team can replicate the magic they displayed against Real Madrid and take another significant step towards Champions League glory.
