Arsenal take on Real Madrid later today in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions League and the round could determine the fate of their season.
The Gunners are unlikely to win the Premier League and are out of the cup competitions, now having to rely on the Champions League to win silverware for the first time since the early days of Mikel Arteta’s reign.
The home game later today gives Arsenal a major chance to make a mark on the tie and the club’s forward Bukayo Saka has spoken about the game in a chat with Belgium’s DH.
He stated that the side will rely on the atmosphere at the Emirates to potentially win the first leg.
He said: “We are motivated. I am absolutely convinced that tomorrow’s fans will also be motivated and will create the best atmosphere the stadium has ever seen.”
Belgian Leandro Trossard also spoke about the game and believes that the atmosphere will be electric and will have a key role to play today.
“Real Madrid have the most Champions League wins in history, so we know what to expect. The first game is at home, so I hope we have the advantage. If the fans are electric, it will give us adrenaline, and that’s what we need.”
Trossard will come into the game on the back of his goal against Everton at the weekend and Saka had also scored against Fulham last week.
The Englishman is expected to start and Trossard, as often, will have to make his impact while coming off the bench. Considering their recent form, Arteta will look to them for goals.
Every Arsenal player will have to contribute in one way or another against Real Madrid, who have the reputation of picking up decisive wins in European games even when things are not going their way.
It is be a big test of the Gunners’ resolve, whose attack will have to fire at the Emirates today.
