Mikel Arteta has promised that Arsenal will play 'like beasts' in Tuesday night's Champions League semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners drew 1-1 in the first leg in Madrid and are aiming to reach the final for the first time since 2006.
Arsenal have won five of their six home matches in this season's competition, conceding only three goals. Viktor Gyökeres scored twice in a 4-0 group-stage win over Atlético, although the Spanish side knocked out Barcelona in the quarter-finals. Arteta said: 'We are so hungry to get the game that we want tomorrow and go through to that final.'
Captain Martin Ødegaard is set to return after missing Saturday's win over Fulham, while Kai Havertz is also expected to be involved. Fans are planning a special reception for the team bus and what organisers have described as 'the biggest tifo in the club's history' in the East Stand.
At the pre-match press conference, Arteta said: 'Go and grab it. When you are in front of such an opportunity, it means that you are ready to deliver, and the team is going to go for the first minute to go and get that.' He added: 'The only thing I have is to finish preparing tomorrow, as best as possible, the game, the team, and that we go out there like beasts, enjoy the moment and go for it.'
Atlético manager Diego Simeone laughed off reports that he had changed hotels due to superstition after his side's 4-0 defeat in the group stage. 'The hotel was cheaper, that was why we changed,' he said. 'We are convinced about what we need to do. Whatever plan is chosen, we will stick with it until the end.'
German referee Daniel Siebert will take charge of the match. Atlético have lost all three matches he has officiated against English clubs.
