Real Madrid vs Arsenal: Ancelotti relies on his team's character, while Arteta bets on Saka

Italian Carlo Ancelotti is banking on the courage and character of his Real Madrid team and expects Vinicius to explode against Arsenal, while Spaniard Mikel Arteta is betting that Saka can tip the balance in his team's favor in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Real Madrid will face Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League tie on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium in North London. Ancelotti said, "Courage and character are important in such crucial encounters."

Real Madrid, the European champions a record 15 times, have won six titles since 2009, while Arsenal are seeking their first title. Arsenal, on the other hand, have not advanced beyond the semi-finals of the Champions League since 2009.

Ancelotti: Vinicius will explode

"We are preparing very well for the Arsenal match," Ancelotti said in the press conference. "We have to be fully focused and give everything we have at the Emirates Stadium."

"Arsenal is a very strong team. We will try to defend against them as best we can. We will also try to defeat them on set pieces, as they excel at exploiting them. However, we will try to limit their danger in this regard," he added.

He continued: "Arteta has made this team very strong. He has been doing a fantastic job for five years, making Arsenal a strong and complete team in all aspects of the game."

Regarding Vinicius Junior, Ancelotti explained: "Vinicius wasn't at his best against Valencia, but I'm convinced he'll be even better tomorrow against Arsenal. I know very well that when he's not at his best, he explodes in the next match."

He added, "We don't fear the high-pressure, intense matches in the Champions League. All of these matches help us gain greater experience."

He continued: "Maybe some people are tired of seeing me on the bench, but the important thing is that Florentino Perez (Real Madrid president), the most important person, loves me here."

Regarding facing former Real Madrid player Martin Odegaard, Ancelotti said: "When Martin joined us, he was young and didn't have the space to showcase his talent, but now he's an excellent signing for Arsenal and is at one of the best clubs in Europe."

Regarding Real Madrid's position this season, he said: "We are competing for every trophy until our last breath. We have all the tools to fight for every title, and our character remains the same in the big matches."

Saka is Arteta's bet

For his part, Arsenal's Spanish coach, Mikel Arteta, said that the team's international winger, Bukayo Saka, can tip the balance in his team's favor against defending champions Real Madrid.

Arteta expressed his confidence in Saka's ability to play a decisive role against Real Madrid, saying, "There is no doubt that he is in a better position now. We have done a lot of work to get him to where he is (after the injury)."

Saka is likely to start against the Spanish giants. Arteta said, "He played 30 minutes against Fulham and 49 minutes against Everton, and after those two appearances, he's in much better shape."

Saka has not started for Arsenal since December 21 against Crystal Palace.

Commenting on the Real Madrid clash, Arteta said, "One of the most beautiful games you can play in football is playing in the most important European competition against the team that has dominated it for the last 20 and 25 years. So I'm looking forward to this match."

Arteta faces a dilemma at centre-back, with Brazilian Gabriel suffering a hamstring tear that will keep him out for the rest of the season. He will likely bring in Polish defender Jakub Kiwior to play alongside Frenchman William Saliba.

"We have options in this position," he said. "We have players who haven't played much together, particularly Ben White, who hasn't played at all this season, so it was good to give them some minutes. We'll analyze what's best for the defense."

Arteta can rely on Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, who has filled in at centre-forward in the absence of injured Brazilian Gabriel Jesus and German Kai Havertz.

Source: Yemen Youth Net + websites