Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has opened up on how his team can reach the UEFA Champions League semi final at the expense of record winners Real Madrid.

Mikel Arteta has warned Arsenal they must be at their best if they are to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals. After breezing through their last 16 tie with PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal must now prepare themselves to take on the reigning European champions after Madrid emerged victorious from their controversial clash with Atletico.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has outlined what it will take to overcome Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final. The Gunners are into the last-eight of European football’s elite club competition for a second time in successive seasons after overcoming PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate.

Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal are ‘very capable’ of beating Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, although he recognises it will be ‘very difficult’ for them to do so. The Gunners strolled into the last eight with a 9-3 aggregate victory over PSV over two legs of the last 16.

Arsenal reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the second season running - and the first time in 15 years - thanks to a 2-2 draw at the Emirates

The Gunners officially clinched their place in the Champions League quarter-finals but it was a night that will raise questions about the quality of some of Mikel Arteta's fringe stars

Mikel Arteta called on Arsenal to take the “next step” after booking their place in the Champions League last eight in successive seasons for the first time in 15 years.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, was pleased for the opportunity to give some minutes to fringe players, who are either recovering from injuries or had not been in first-team plans

The winger started just his 10th game of the season on Wednesday night, but he shown as Arsenal drew 2-2 with PSV Eindhoven to book a spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Sterling assisted both of Arsenal’s goals as they setup a showdown with Real Madrid by knocking out PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate.