Arsenal look ahead to Madrid task to reach first UEFA Champions League semi-final since 2009

Local TV Sport

Arsenal face a huge challenge as they prepare to take on Real Madrid in their bid to reach their first UEFA Champions League semi-final since 2009. Mikel Arteta’s side have impressed in Europe this season, but overcoming the 14-time champions will be their toughest test yet.   Arsenal will need a near-perfect performance to make history and break their long wait for a return to the last four.

Transcript

00:00Arsenal face possibly the toughest challenge in their upcoming Champions League quarter-final

00:08against Real Madrid, with several key issues to resolve ahead of the first leg at the Emirates

00:14Stadium.

00:16The Gunners are dealing with a series of injury concerns that could impact their chances against

00:23the Spanish giants, who have been in excellent form recently.

00:28Despite these setbacks, Arsenal are determined to prove their worth in Europe's top competition.

00:36One of the main challenges for Mikel Arteta is managing the injuries that have affected

00:41key players in the squad.

00:43The likes of Bakayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Thomas Partey all have faced fitness issues

00:50in recent weeks, leaving Arteta with a depleted side.

00:56Saka and Martinelli, in particular, have been crucial to Arsenal's attacking play,

01:01and their absence would significantly impact the Gunners' ability to break down a solid

01:06Real Madrid defence.

01:09Arsenal's defensive depth will also be tested against a Real Madrid side that boasts a formidable

01:15attacking line-up, including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior.

01:22While Arsenal's defence has been solid in the Premier League, they will need to be at

01:26their very best to cope with Real Madrid's attacking firepower.

01:32William Saliba's return to fitness will be crucial in this regard, as the French defender

01:37has been one of Arsenal's standout performers this season.

01:42Additionally, Arsenal will be without competition of domestic cup matches, leaving them with

01:49more time to prepare.

01:51However, the pressure will be on Arteta and his squad to deliver when it matters most,

01:57especially against a team with the pedigree and experience of Real Madrid.

02:04With the stakes high, Arsenal need to be at their very best to secure a strong result

02:08in the first leg, and take it back to the Bernabeu with it all to play for.

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