Just 3 years ago, Arsenal broke a 6-season absence from the Champions League. After reaching the quarterfinals in their first return, the London club has now advanced to the semifinals in the last two consecutive seasons.

"This was a great night, and I am proud of everyone at the club", Arteta stated after the return leg of the quarterfinals against Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates Stadium. "Thank you to the fans for their support of the team. It has taken 140 years for us to reach the semifinals twice in a row, which highlights the difficulty and significance of this achievement. Perhaps we do not fully realize it now, but in a few years, it will be clear. Therefore, do not underestimate what the team has accomplished."

Coach Mikel Arteta celebrates after Arsenal's 0-0 draw with Sporting in the Champions League quarterfinals return leg, at the Emirates Stadium, London, England on 15/4. *Reuters*.

The 0-0 home draw against Sporting allowed Arsenal to advance with a 1-0 aggregate score, setting up a clash with Atletico. In the group stage, the "Gunners" previously defeated this opponent 4-0. Arteta hopes Arsenal can take another step to win the Champions League for the first time. "We are not perfect and still need to improve a lot. But ahead are two special matches against Atletico, and we will prepare our best", he said. "Arsenal needs to maintain its identity, play as it has shown, and then the chances of winning will be very high."

Arsenal's biggest issue lies in goal-scoring. Against Sporting, the team only achieved an expected goals (xG) metric of 0,64, indicating limited chance creation. Striker Viktor Gyokeres disappointed, being substituted early after touching the ball only 14 times during the match. "In the Champions League, the margins are very fine. We had chances to seal the game but could not convert them. Nevertheless, the match was well-controlled, especially in the second half", Arteta shared.

Arsenal lost their last three domestic matches, reducing their contention from four titles to just two. The 1-2 home loss to Bournemouth last weekend also raised questions about Arteta's team's ability to handle pressure. On 19/4, Arsenal will travel to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium – a match widely considered an "early final" of the Premier League and the clearest measure of the "Gunners'" true ambition and character.

However, Arteta dismissed doubts about his team's character: "If you made a documentary about Arsenal right now, looking at what has happened in the last 48 hours, many might think we are in a relegation battle. That is strange. Let's enjoy the club's current position."

Hong Duy (according to Sky Sports, Arsenal.com)