Arteta credits ONE person that helped him reach level of beating Real Madrid

Mikel Arteta Arsenal manager || Imago

Arteta credits ONE person that helped him reach level of beating Real Madrid

Faruq Ibrahim 22:08 - 16.04.2025

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta rolled out the credits after his side advanced past Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Despite their recent rivalry, having gone head-to-head for two of the past three Premier League titles, Arsenal's Mikel Arteta showed class, crediting Pep Guardiola for his success after he coached a team to a Champions League semi-final for the first time in his career.

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What Arteta said

Speaking after the game, an elated Arteta praised his team for their remarkable showing, beating Real Madrid 2-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate.

Arteta also credited the man who gave him his first coaching opportunity, Pep Guardiola. He revealed that he had called the Manchester City boss earlier in the day to thank him.

“If I'm here, it's thanks to Pep Guardiola," Arteta said, per Fabrizio. “I called him this morning. I will always be grateful to him”.

Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta during their time together at Premier League champions Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta during their time together at Premier League champions Manchester City. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Arteta was hired by Pep as an assistant at Manchester City and was at the club for three and a half years, before he secured his current job at Arsenal in 2019.

The match in brief

Arsenal started strongly against Real Madrid, withstanding early pressure and being awarded a penalty after VAR ruled in their favour. However, Thibaut Courtois denied Bukayo Saka's penalty attempt, keeping the score goalless.

In the second half, Real Madrid intensified their attack, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinícius Junior testing Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. However, it was Arsenal who scored the decisive goal in the 65th minute, with Bukayo Saka finishing a well-worked team move with a delicate shot over Courtois.

Arsenal sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal from Gabriel Martinelli, following a defensive error by Gabriel Saliba, which helped Vinicius pull one back for Los Blancos.

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