Mikel Areta has challenged Arsenal supporters to create a “very special atmosphere” that Real Madrid can affect in the first leg of her quarter -finals of the Champions League.
The Gunners have not recorded the 15-fold winners since 2006, and thanks to Thierry Henry’s winner at the Bernabeu, the final became the final when they were created a total of 1-0 winners.
Madrid is the defending champion and remains the team that can be beaten on the largest stage in European football, but has shown vulnerability this season and was surprisingly beaten by Valencia in La Liga at the weekend.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team also needed a penalty to bring the rival Atletico Madrid on the edge in the 16th round.
When Areta spoke to the media before playing, he outlined the important role that Arsenal fans have to play to accelerate his team.
“I encourage them to warm up very early and create the nights in which we didn’t live many of those in the Emirates,” said Arteta. “We will all the ingredients, everything that is in our hands, play the game that we want and take the game in the direction we want.
“To achieve this, we need our people who play every single ball with us. That will make a big difference because this is really needed. On these phases you need your home stadium to create a very special atmosphere to create momentum.
“I encourage everyone to go there tomorrow, play the game with us. Not being there, but playing the game with us.”
The athlete Report that Arsenal takes additional steps to improve the atmosphere in the Emirates, with two large TIFOs being designed in addition to a light show and pyrotechnics display in connection with supporter groups in the end of the watch and in the east stand.