Arsenal achieved a perfect 8-win record in this season's group stage, a club first. This marks their third consecutive appearance in the Champions League round of 16, following quarter-final and semi-final finishes in the past two seasons.

Coach Mikel Arteta during Arsenal's training on 10/3. Photo: Arsenal FC

Arteta hopes this accumulated experience will help his players advance further, aiming for a final appearance and, ultimately, their first Champions League title.

"I believe Arsenal belongs to Europe's elite group, but football always demands that you prove it on the field, in the very next match," he said on 10/3 during a press conference ahead of the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Leverkusen. "The Champions League is decided by individual moments. You must perform better than your opponent on the day."

The Spanish coach noted that Arsenal's squad is now more experienced than when he first took charge, a time when many players had no Champions League experience. "Experience is essential in any competition. The players now understand this stage better, but it is crucial to demonstrate it through actual performance," he said.

Arteta emphasized the unforgiving nature of the knock-out stage. "You enter the second half of the season knowing what awaits. These are 'all or nothing' matches. Tomorrow, we face a difficult challenge against a strong team," he added.

With approximately two months left in the season, Arsenal remains in contention for four titles. They currently lead the Premier League, are in the Champions League round of 16 (facing Leverkusen), the FA Cup final (against Man City) on 22/3, and the FA Cup quarter-finals (against Southampton) on 4/4.

Arteta urged the team to focus one match at a time. "The only thing we can do is take it one match at a time, strive to outperform our opponent, and win," he stated. "In the next three matches, we will compete in three different competitions against entirely different opponents. The team must adapt quickly to the demands of each game."

Regarding team news, Arteta confirmed William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice, and Martin Zubimendi are available. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori are doubtful after their early exits in the 2-1 FA Cup fifth-round victory over Mansfield Town last weekend, while captain Martin Odegaard is definitively out.

Hong Duy (according to Arsenal.com)