Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has urged the team’s supporters to “play the game” with them ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid at Emirates (10 pm).The Gunners host the defending champion in the first leg of this stage, and Arteta says the team will need the backing of the entire stadium.##NAJAVA_MECA_8831572##Apparently, the club has plans for a light show, pyrotechnics, a red and white display that will spread across the entire stadium, and two new fan-led tifo banners in the stands.”I encourage fans to come very early to the warm-up and create those nights that we haven’t lived many of those at the Emirates,” said Arteta.”We’re going to put all the ingredients, everything that is in our hands, to play the game that we want and to take the game in the direction that we want,” the Arsenal boss told his pre-match press conference on Monday. ##EDITORS_CHOICE##”In order to achieve that, we’re going to need our people playing every single ball with us.”That’s going to make a huge difference because that’s something that is really needed. At these stages, you need your home stadium to create a very special atmosphere to generate momentum.”I encourage everybody to go there tomorrow to play the game with us. Not to be there watching it, but to play the game with us.””100%, it’s a joy” 🏆Mikel Arteta says facing Real Madrid is one of his biggest games of his managerial career so far 🔴 pic.twitter.com/48lItnxsZ2— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 7, 2025 The last time Arsenal eliminated Real Madrid was back in 2006. “That’s why I came into football,” said Arteta. “That’s why I came into management and especially to this football club. It’s been 20 years since we had this type of game, and for us, it’s a great opportunity to build our own story, and this is what we’re here for.”UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – QUARTER-FINALSFirst legTuesday22.00: (2.35) Arsenal (3.30) Real Madrid (3.10)22.00: (2.00) Bayern (3.45) Inter (3.80)Wednesday 22.00: (1.37) Barcelona (5.10) Dortmund (7.75)22.00: (1.42) PSG (5.00) Aston Villa (7.00)***odds are subject to change***
