“We have to go there with the mentality to win”: Partey on upcoming clash vs Real Madrid

Thomas Partey has sent a clear message ahead of Arsenal’s decisive Champions League quarter-final second leg clash against Real Madrid: the Gunners must enter the Santiago Bernabéu with one objective — to win.

The Ghanaian midfielder, who played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s midfield during the first leg, spoke with a sense of focus and urgency. Despite the north London side holding a commanding 3-0 lead, Partey emphasized that nothing is guaranteed at this stage of the competition, especially against a side like Madrid.

“I think we’ve experienced this many times when we play here,” Partey began, reflecting on the daunting atmosphere of European away nights. “It’s not going to be something different. We just have to be confident with the ball and try to play our game.”

The former Atlético Madrid man is no stranger to Spanish football or the intimidating environment of the Bernabéu. His words carry the weight of experience, warning his teammates not to take anything for granted.

“We all know what we have to do,” he added. “We have to go there with the mentality to win. We want to win every game.”

Partey’s mindset reflects a growing maturity within this Arsenal squad under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners are not just defending a lead — they’re embracing the challenge of facing a European giant in their own fortress.

Confidence has been growing within the Arsenal camp after their emphatic performance in the first leg, where goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Ødegaard left Madrid stunned. But Partey insists that overconfidence could be fatal.

“We have to play our game, be confident with the ball, and also try to find their weaknesses and keep attacking them,” he said, alluding to the importance of maintaining their tactical discipline.

Real Madrid are known for their incredible comebacks in the Champions League. From Liverpool to Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, the Spanish giants have made history out of the impossible. Partey knows this better than most — and that’s why he’s preaching caution despite the advantage.

“Anything can happen in football, especially when you face a team like Real Madrid,” Partey warned. “They can change the game in five minutes.”

The midfielder also praised the tactical flexibility of Mikel Arteta, who has been instrumental in Arsenal’s European resurgence. “The manager knows how to set us up. He gives us the confidence to take risks and stay composed even in hostile environments,” Partey noted.

Arteta himself has remained grounded, reminding players and fans alike that there’s still work to be done. The second leg, scheduled for April 16 at the Bernabéu, will be one of Arsenal’s biggest nights in years.

The last time Arsenal reached the semi-final of the Champions League was in 2009. For Partey and his teammates, the opportunity to make history and bring European glory back to north London is within touching distance — but Real Madrid will not go down without a fight.

Partey’s form since returning from injury has been impressive. Against Brentford, he not only controlled the midfield but also chipped in with a rare goal — a powerful reminder of his influence when fully fit. “It was a great moment for me personally,” he said after that game. “But now, all focus is on Madrid.”

He’ll be crucial again next Tuesday — both in breaking Madrid’s rhythm and launching counters. With Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga expected to start for Madrid, the midfield battle could be fierce and decisive.

Supporters are already buzzing with anticipation. Arsenal’s away section is expected to be packed, and Partey acknowledged their impact. “The fans are everything to us. We’ll fight for them on the pitch,” he said with pride.

While Arsenal’s domestic campaign is still tightly contested, the Champions League presents a unique chance for this young team to announce themselves on the world stage. A win at the Bernabéu — or even a strong performance — could shift the narrative around Arsenal for years to come.

Partey knows this is more than just a football match. It’s a defining moment for a generation of Arsenal players who have grown under Arteta’s guidance and now stand on the brink of European greatness.

“Let’s go out there and finish the job,” Partey concluded. “With the right mentality, we believe we can beat anyone — even at the Bernabéu.”