Raya urges Arsenal to win ahead of Bernabeu 'long task'

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya said that they have to win the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals against Real Madrid, to be played on Tuesday in London, to “have it easier” at the Santiago Bernabeu next week. The Gunners are looking for their first Champions League semifinals in 16 years against Real Madrid.

"This is a big game. We know what they are capable of. We are aware of the times they have won this competition, and we are ready for this challenge and eager to reach the semi-finals. We must continue playing as we have been and defend as we know how. Winning the game will ease our task when we visit Bernabeu," Raya told ‘BeIn Sports’.

"A second leg at Bernabeu is always a long task, as they say. However, if we execute our strategy well, we will have a good chance to succeed," he pointed out.

For this tie, Arsenal have several important absentees, such as Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, despite which Raya is confident in the resilience of the group to deal with it, as they have done all season.

"We’ve dealt with numerous injuries and have had various defenders step in, yet the team is prepared. They know what is required of them, which is why there has not been a notable drop in performance despite changes in our backline. This highlights the team’s resilience," he said.

"Saliba and Gabriel form one of the best centre-back partnerships in football, but all of us need to be at our best to stop Madrid," he added.