Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed the behind-the-scenes celebrations following the club’s historic Champions League quarter-final victory over Real Madrid, describing the moment as a “beautiful evening” filled with joy, family, and focus on what’s next.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta opened up about how the team celebrated their 5-1 aggregate win over the 14-time European champions — a dominant showing that included a 3-0 first-leg win at the Emirates Stadium and a 2-1 second-leg victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Yeah, we had a great dinner in Madrid after the game. A lot of happy faces, great energy, families around. So yeah, it was a really beautiful evening,” Arteta said.
From Celebration to Concentration
Despite the euphoric mood, the Arsenal boss made it clear that the celebration was short-lived, with the team shifting their focus almost immediately to the Premier League title race — where they still trail leaders Liverpool, who are just six points away from clinching the title.
“And the next morning, ready for the Premier League again. Start to prepare Ipswich and the tough games we have against us,” Arteta added.
With back-to-back draws against Everton and Brentford stalling their title hopes, the Gunners are desperate to get back to winning ways as they prepare to face newly promoted Ipswich Town on Sunday.
Eye on Europe, Feet in the League
Arsenal’s Champions League run may represent their best chance at silverware this season, having already been knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United and the League Cup by Newcastle United earlier in the campaign.
“Our full focus is in the Premier League, we have two vital games ahead of us after the two draws and we need to push. Not only the form, because I think we’ve been very strong in both performances, but the details have taken four points away from us,” Arteta reflected.
How Arsenal Knocked Out Madrid
Arsenal stunned Real Madrid with a dominant 3-0 win at home, with Declan Rice scoring twice and Mikel Merino adding a third. In the second leg in Madrid, Bukayo Saka opened the scoring after missing a first-half penalty. Vinicius Junior leveled shortly after, but Gabriel Martinelli struck in stoppage time to seal the win.
What’s Next: PSG Awaits
Arsenal now turn their attention to the Champions League semi-finals, where they’ll face Paris Saint-Germain. The first leg is scheduled for April 29 at the Emirates, with the return match at the Parc des Princes on May 7.
Should Arsenal overcome the French giants, they will book their spot in the Champions League Final against either Barcelona or Inter Milan.
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