Arteta backs Arsenal to 'go all the way' this season ahead of Champions League clash

Mikel Arteta has backed his Arsenal side to "go all the way" this season ahead of their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid. 

The Gunners host Atletico on Tuesday, as they look to continue their winning start to their European campaign, having won their opening two games. 

Both sides head into the game off the back of 1-0 wins on the weekend, with Arsenal beating Fulham and the Rojiblancos defeating Osasuna.

Arsenal are unbeaten in six games at Emirates Stadium, last succumbing to defeat at home against Paris Saint-Germain in 2024-25's Champions League semi-final first leg. 

"The only thing I embrace is when I see the team, the energy, the temperature, the commitment and quality that they can deliver. That gives me the conviction that we can go all the way," Arteta said during his pre-match press conference.

"But that's just a feeling, then the next day you have to prove it, and you can't be busy thinking about those topics."

Arsenal will be eager to extend their formidable recent record against Spanish opposition, having recorded six consecutive victories over LaLiga sides.

The Gunners have defeated four different clubs during that streak — Real Madrid (twice), Sevilla (twice), Girona, and Athletic Bilbao. This marks the longest winning run by any side against Spanish teams in Champions League history.

But Arteta recognises the challenge ahead.

"What he has done since he got to Atletico has been outstanding, not only what has achieved but the way he has done it," Arteta added.

"The identity he has created, they are simple and clear to identify because the manager is very much them. That's very difficult to achieve, he's been there 14 years and what he's done is incredible.

"He is someone I look up to. His passion, how long he has been in the game, how he still has that capacity to transmit a willingness to win. To keep convincing players in this environment, you have to be extraordinarily good."