As Arsenal gears up for a pivotal clash against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, April 17, 2025, the mood within the Gunners' camp is one of confidence and determination. With a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, Arsenal is focused solely on maintaining their advantage and securing a spot in the semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
Goalkeeper David Raya, who has been instrumental in the team's success this season, spoke candidly during a pre-match press conference, emphasizing the importance of focusing on their own performance rather than the daunting atmosphere that awaits them in Madrid. "You try to be focused on what you can control," Raya stated. "You can control your actions, you can control what you do; you can’t control the outside and the noise and all that, so you have to be very, very focused on what you can do yourself, that’s the most important thing."
Raya's comments reflect a broader sentiment within the squad. The players understand the magnitude of the task at hand, yet they are buoyed by their recent performances, particularly the impressive display in the first leg where they effectively neutralized Real Madrid's attacking threats. "The mood is great," Raya continued. "The feeling is not nerves, it’s confidence. We have the momentum, I think. The way we play, the way we faced the first leg is incredible for everyone, and we’re here just to play our history, to win the game, to come here and win the game, and that’s the most important thing."
Despite the commanding lead, the Gunners are aware that a trip to the Bernabéu is fraught with challenges. Real Madrid, the reigning champions, have a storied history of comebacks in European competition, and they are expected to come out fighting. Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid manager, has rallied his team, urging them to play "with head, with heart…with balls" as they seek to overturn the deficit.
Arsenal's task is made more challenging by the intimidating atmosphere of the Bernabéu, a venue known for its capacity to inspire dramatic turnarounds. However, Raya remains unfazed by the occasion, reiterating the team's commitment to their game plan. "We cannot think about the fans, the stadium or the atmosphere, we just have to think about ourselves, what we control on the pitch, with the ball," he said.
The Gunners have shown resilience and determination throughout the tournament, returning to Champions League football last season and reaching the quarter-final stage. Now, they stand on the brink of a semi-final berth, and the players are determined to capitalize on this opportunity. "We are here just to write our own history," Raya declared, emphasizing the team's ambition to not only progress but to do so with style.
In the first leg, Arsenal's defense was bolstered by the impressive performance of Jakub Kiwior, who stepped in admirably for the injured Gabriel. The Brazilian defender suffered a hamstring injury earlier in the month, but Kiwior's composed display against some of Europe's best talents, including Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, has given the squad confidence. Raya praised Kiwior's contribution, stating, "I wasn’t surprised about his performance. I thought he was very, very good, and we know how good he is. He shows it in training every day, so I was very, very happy with his performance, because that gives him confidence, but like I said, I wasn’t too surprised."
As the match approaches, the stakes couldn't be higher. Arsenal can afford to lose by two goals and still advance due to their aggregate lead, but Raya insists the team's focus remains on securing a win. "The intention is to win the game. We know how we played in the first game and we have to do the same. We know we have a lead, but we come here just to win the game," he remarked.
Raya's confidence is echoed throughout the squad, as Arsenal aims to become the first English side to win twice at the Bernabéu, having previously achieved this feat in 2006. The team is determined to write a new chapter in their history, one that reflects their growth and ambition on the European stage.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, Arsenal fans will be hoping their team can deliver a performance worthy of the occasion and secure a place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. With Raya leading the charge, the Gunners are ready to face the challenge head-on, fueled by the belief that they can finish the job against one of the most storied clubs in football history.
