Mikel Arteta Looks Ahead To “Beautiful” Real Madrid Clash

By The Editor
on 7th April 2025

Arteta previews iconic Real Madrid tie…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is looking forward to the clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday night in what will be the first competitive meeting between the sides since 2006.

The Gunners prepared for the mouthwatering tie with a 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park as Arteta rang the changes to freshen the side.

The likes of Raheem Sterling, Jakub Kiwior, Ben White and Jorginho were given rare starts and despite taking the lead through a Leandro Trossard strike, we weren’t able to clinch all three points.

While we did miss chances to extend our lead, the hosts didn’t have a sniff at goal before being offered a penalty by referee Darren England following a coming together between Jack Harrison and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

It was exactly that – a coming together which started outside the box and resulted in both players following to the ground.

England, who was on VAR duty at Wolves during the infamous Lewis-Skelly incident, clearly decided he saw what he wanted to see.

Thankfully, PGMOL cannot interfere in Europe and Arteta can plan for a game with the full knowledge that matters will be decided by the players on the pitch.

“It’s one of the most beautiful games that you can play in football, in the highest European competition, against the team that has dominated that competition in the last 20, 25 years,” the Spaniard said in his post-match press conference.

“So, yeah, really looking forward to it.

“We have to train and prepare a few things, but tomorrow we’ll have some time to rest and start preparing really well for the game because we’re looking forward to that game,” the boss added.

Preparation will ramp up on Monday when Arteta faces the world’s media at London Colney before an open training session for the boys.

Carlo Ancelotti will be putting his charges through their paces at the Emirates Stadium.