Luka Modric has cautioned his Real Madrid teammates against losing focus ahead of their Champions League quarter-final showdown with Arsenal. The veteran midfielder emphasized that the team must first concentrate on their upcoming domestic fixtures before turning their attention to the Gunners.
Real Madrid progressed to the last eight after a controversial win over local rivals Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, Arsenal secured their spot with an impressive 9-3 aggregate victory over PSV Eindhoven. Despite Real being favorites, Modric is wary of the threat posed by Mikel Arteta’s side.
“Arsenal is a very good team, and it’s going to be another interesting knockout round,” Modric said. “But right now, we need to focus on Villarreal and handle that game first before thinking about Arsenal.”
Modric, who once played for Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham Hotspur, is familiar with the challenge of facing the North London club. The Croatian international believes Real Madrid must avoid complacency and approach the tie with full concentration.
On the other hand, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is determined to lead his side past the quarter-final stage after their narrow exit to Bayern Munich last season. Arteta highlighted the importance of staying sharp and seizing key moments against the Spanish giants.
“You have to be at your best for every minute,” Arteta said. “Don’t give anything away because they will punish you. The game will be decided in the boxes, and individual performances will be crucial.”
Arsenal’s only previous Champions League encounter with Real Madrid came in 2006 when a Thierry Henry goal secured a famous 1-0 win at the Bernabeu. Arteta hopes his squad can replicate that performance and reach the semi-finals for the first time in nearly two decades.
With the first leg set for April 8 at the Emirates Stadium and the return fixture at the Bernabeu a week later, both teams will be looking to gain momentum and avoid any slip-ups in their domestic campaigns before the highly anticipated clash.
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