‘These are the two main things’ - Arsenal legend advises Arteta’s team on how to defeat Madrid
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Mikel Arteta, Arsenal coach || Imago

‘These are the two main things’ - Arsenal legend advises Arteta’s team on how to defeat Madrid

Stephen Oladehinde 08:14 - 07.04.2025

Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit advised Mikel Arteta’s team on how to defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Spanish giants take a trip to the Emirates for the first leg of the UCL clash after defeating their rivals, Atletico Madrid.

Arteta is determined to prove his team can contend with Europe's elite after last season's aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich at this stage of the Champions League. 

Petit speaks on Arsenal’s chances

Petit says Arsenal can capitalize on Madrid's struggles this season, but they need to do one simple thing.

The legend said, according to pokerfirma.com, It's simple. They need to defend well as a unit against Madrid. The likes of Vinicius, Bellingham and Mbappe are players that can hurt you at any time.

Emmanuel Petit || Imago
Emmanuel Petit || Imago

"They have so many top players that can make the difference and they've done it in the past in the Champions League. These are the kinds of players they have to come up against. If they can play as a unit and they can show great character defensively, then they will have a chance.

"Then they would have to be very clinical. This is something that teams have been struggling with against Real Madrid in the last few years. When opportunity comes, when you have the chance to score, you have to take it. And we all know that Arsenal, at the moment, don't have the striker for that.

"I've seen so many games over the last few years when Madrid were dominated by opponents. Matches where the opponent were having so many chances to score, and they didn't take it. 

Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring for Arsenal against Fulham (Credit: Arsenal)
Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring for Arsenal against Fulham (Credit: Arsenal)

“Real are very clinical all the time, so for me these are the two main things: play strong defensively, show unity, character and personality. But in the meantime, up front, when one opportunity to score comes up, you have to take it."

It will be the first meeting between the two sides since 2006, when Thierry Henry's goal secured a 1-0 victory for Arsenal at the Bernabeu, eliminating Real Madrid from the competition.

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