Arsenal are in final preparations mode for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal with Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium later on Tuesday.
The Gunners were not in action over the past weekend, but did officially lose out on the title with Liverpool’s big win over Tottenham Hotspur confirming what had been coming for some time.
They last played in the last four in 2009, and have only made the final once in 2006 where they were beaten by Barcelona.
Mikel Arteta’s side will go into the semifinal full of confidence after thrashing Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the previous round, despite still missing Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz due to injury.
After another season chasing but ultimately falling short of a Premier League crown, Arteta now hopes to create history for the club in the Champions League.
“Yeah, especially with the circumstances that we had this season and how we have overcome a lot of issues and challenges and the fact that the team is here as one of the four best teams in Europe. It is about the mindset, the spirit and how much we really want it. So, yeah, we are making history, it’s a beautiful story right now, but, we want much more,” said Arteta.
Meanwhile, PSG wrapped up a record-extending 13th French title earlier this month before edging past Aston Villa in a dramatic quarterfinal where they lost the second leg 3-2 but advanced 5-4 on aggregate.
Arsenal have the upper-hand in the most recent head-to-head clashes with the English side after picking up a 2-0 win in the group stage in London. Both clubs are vying to win this competition in any form for the first time. Although PSG are on balance the slight favourites, boss Luis Enrique knew his side would have to be at their very best.
“It’s definitely going to be a Champions League semi-final. It’s going to be a match like any other. There are going to be two goals, two opponents with a lot of desire to do well and beat each other. I think it’s going to be key for us in this first match to manage the different moments that are going to happen,” said Enrique.
“Arsenal is one of the best teams in Europe, with a coach who, for six seasons I think, has been doing a very outstanding job, and apart from that, I don’t know if we are the four best teams in Europe for those of us who are in the semi-finals, but I’m sure that the four of us have deserved to be where we are,” he added.
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