Luka Modric warned his Real Madrid teammates they can not afford to be sidetracked by the considered facing a ‘good’ Arsenal team within the Champions League.
The Gunners are set to face the European champions for the primary time in competitive motion since their memorable victory against the Spanish giants back in 2006.
Real booked their place within the last eight following a hugely controversial win over local rival Atletico, while Arsenal’s place within the quarter finals was already assured prior to last night’s 2-2 draw against PSV Eindhoven.
Despite their contrasting routes to the latter stages of Europe’s elite club competition, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are certain to begin the tie as strong favourites.
Modric, who was a part of the last Tottenham team to win a Premier League game on the Emirates Stadium, won’t be taking anything as a right when his side locks horns with Arsenal but with the primary leg not attributable to happen until the second week in April he knows much can change between from time to time.
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‘Well we are going to see, there’s still a protracted strategy to go until that match,’ said the 39-year-old after last night’s narrow escape against Atletico.
‘Now we have now to concentrate on Villarreal and go calmly with the international break.
‘Arsenal is a superb team and it’s going to be one other interesting knockout round. But as I’ve said we want to organize for Villarreal first, we have now to win there after which we are going to take the time to take into consideration Arsenal.’
Mikel Arteta will definitely be relishing the challenge and it can be his responsibility to foster a spirit and belief amongst his players that they will overcome the chances.
‘The very first thing is that you’ve to be at your best relating to that for the 2 games, for each minute,’ said Arteta when asked how he would approach the tie against Real.
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‘Don’t give anything away, because they’re going to take it. And today, we’ve seen that with the 2 goals that we’ve conceded as well, in order that’s a giant learning.
Ultimately, the sport goes to be decided within the boxes, individual talent, individual performances is crucial, after which creating an unbelievable atmosphere when we have now the chance to play at home, that’s crucial.’
Arsenal reached the quarter finals last season after 15-year absence before narrowly succumbing to Bayern Munich.
Asked what he had learned from that have, Arteta added: ‘Last yr we played Bayern, and with the history of those clubs and the way consistently within the last 20-25 years being there, and we were riding there in the house game, we had them on the ropes.
‘They escaped and once we were there we were a bit short to get to that final stage. So hopefully we are going to learn we’re higher than then and we are able to make it occur.’
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