Gunners Must Overcome First-Leg Deficit to Secure Champions League Quarter-Final Spot

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged the club’s supporters to create an electrifying atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium as his team faces Porto in a pivotal Champions League match. The Gunners trail 1-0 after a narrow loss in Portugal, courtesy of a late winner from Galeno, and need to turn the tie around to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years.

Arteta emphasised the importance of emotional control, particularly as his players prepare for a high-pressure encounter: “The game context is crucial. We have a long match ahead of us, and it can change in an instant. Champions League ties are unpredictable, so we must be ready for every phase of the game.”

The Arsenal manager believes the fans can play a key role, urging them to bring energy and noise throughout the match: “We need the atmosphere. Every touch, every moment, we need them with us. The fans can make an incredible impact, and we need them to help us stay focused and intelligent as the game progresses.”

For Arteta, the opportunity to play in front of home fans for such a crucial match is something special. “It’s been 14 years, and everything we give on the pitch will be worth it,” he said, calling on the supporters to match the players’ intensity.

The first leg against Porto proved challenging for Arsenal, with the Portuguese side’s physical approach resulting in a game marked by 36 fouls and a lack of fluid play. Despite failing to register a shot on target, Arteta insists his side has learned valuable lessons from that defeat: “We know Porto’s strengths and weaknesses better now. We’ve faced teams like them in the Premier League, and we need to focus on improving from that first leg.”

To overturn the deficit, Arteta is determined to make tactical adjustments. “We need to be braver, make better decisions, and not wait for things to happen. Tomorrow, we have to take control and make things happen ourselves.”