The Arsenal manager reveals Real Madrid boss’s message after historic win at the Bernabéu
Mikel Arteta couldn’t have looked happier after Arsenal booked their place in the Champions League semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Real Madrid, sealing a 5-1 victory on aggregate. But it wasn’t just the result that left the Arsenal manager beaming.
After the match, Carlo Ancelotti pulled Arteta aside with a message of support. “Carlo was very kind to me and he said that he hopes we win it,” said Arteta. “He wished me a lot of luck.”
The show of respect came at the end of a night that saw Arsenal reach the last four of the Champions League for only the third time in the club’s history, and the first time since 2009.
“I’m very happy,” Arteta said. “It’s the third time in history we’ve reached the Champions League semi-final. And it’s not just about being there, it’s how we’ve done it. Today I realised the kind of atmosphere this stadium can generate. I’m very proud.”
Arsenal had a clear plan going into the game, and according to Arteta, it worked. “The match plan we had in mind came off almost perfectly,” he said. “We were very close in many moments, especially where it’s hard to control the chaos they create.”
Now, Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, a side the Gunners have already beaten in the Champions League this season.
“It’s going to be a beautiful tie,” said Arteta. “It’s a team we know well.”
Like Real Madrid, the Parisians have never beaten Arsenal in any of their previous five meetings.
Arsenal won two of those games, both at home. The other three were draws.