Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to beat Atletico Madrid and secure a historic place in the Champions League final after a strong European run

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on his players to secure victory over Atletico Madrid and take a decisive step towards a historic Champions League final appearance.

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Arsenal will host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, with the tie finely balanced after a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Spain.

The Gunners find themselves in rare territory, having reached the semi-final stage of the competition only four times in their history and making the final just once.

It has been two decades since Arsenal last came close to European glory under Arsène Wenger, when they reached the final stages of the competition during their Highbury era.

Arsenal’s current campaign has been marked by consistency, with the team extending their unbeaten run in Europe to 13 matches, making them one of the standout sides in the tournament.

Speaking ahead of the crucial fixture, Mikel Arteta said his focus remains on progress rather than guarantees, while acknowledging the scale of the opportunity in front of the team.

The Arsenal manager stressed that while trophies cannot be promised, commitment and daily discipline are essential to building a side capable of competing at the highest level in Europe.

Striker Viktor Gyökeres also expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to rise to the occasion, describing the season as a strong foundation for something greater.

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Arsenal now face a defining night in their European campaign, with the chance to reach a Champions League final for only the second time in their history.