Arteta describes reaching another Champions League semi-final as a 'privilege'

Arteta guided Arsenal to their initial Champions League semi-final appearance since 2009 during the previous season, where they were defeated by the eventual champions Paris St Germain. For this campaign, he aims to lead the team to merely their second final in the continents top club tournament.

In the Premier League, Arsenals advantage over the summit has narrowed to three points thanks to Manchester City, who possess an additional fixture, across the latest matches, coupled with their elimination from the FA Cup against Southampton, yet they gained momentum from a 1-0 victory against Newcastle United over the weekend.

"That victory over Newcastle proved enormous for our squad," Arteta remarked to journalists before Wednesdays opening match in Madrid.

"From the outset, you could feel the vitality and assurance entering this encounter. Reaching the Champions League semi-final stage consecutively for two years is an immense honour to represent our team once more.

"Such a chance. We intend to seize it firmly. Expect a side determined to control proceedings, eager to triumph, and ready to influence the outcome starting tomorrow."

Although Arsenal face opponents who overcame Barcelona in the prior round, Artetas group remains the sole undefeated outfit in this years tournament.

"We recognise the challenges ahead, yet we have demonstrated throughout Europe, regardless of venue, our potential," Arteta stated.

"Consistency has been our hallmark, and for tomorrow we must compete with that self-belief, that hunger, and that drive to secure the result here.

"Everyone shares that sentiment, and thats the atmosphere I sense within the squad and the organisation. These are the moments we aspire to, and we have merited our place through exceptional effort, dedication, and skill."

During the league stage in October, Arsenal convincingly beat Atletico 4-0 in London, and in the prior year they also triumphed over PSG at this level before falling to the French club in the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, Arteta has avoided bringing up that previous encounter with his players.

"No, since it does not convey an uplifting narrative. Plenty of encouraging points exist for me to share with the group," he explained.

"Certainly, we drew lessons from it, but tomorrows fixture will differ entirely, particularly on this ground.

"We understand their achievements and capabilities, along with their growing familiarity in such fixtures now too, and we precisely know our required approach."