Arsenal defender William Saliba has lauded the club’s supporters following their emphatic 3-0 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at Emirates Stadium.
The match saw midfielder Declan Rice deliver two exceptional free-kicks, both earned by Bukayo Saka, to put Arsenal ahead.
Mikel Merino added a third goal in the 75th minute, solidifying the Gunners’ dominance.
The team’s disciplined ball movement and defensive organization limited Real Madrid’s offensive threats, resulting in a commanding lead ahead of the return leg.
Saliba, who has Cameroonian heritage, emphasized the significant role the fans played in boosting the team’s confidence.
Even when we were in the coach, just before going to the stadium, we saw the fans, there were a lot of them.
“It gave us a lot of confidence when you have your fans behind you like this especially in this big game in the Champions League, you have to be good.
“It’s because of them, we played so well, they pushed us, and we did well.”
Saliba, who has made eight appearances in the Champions League this season, expressed the team’s determination to maintain their momentum.
Despite the substantial advantage, Saliba cautioned against complacency, acknowledging Real Madrid’s history of comebacks.
“Everyone was so happy, but we know that the job is not done. We have to be happy, of course, because we won today, but we have to do the same next week, and we will be happier.”
The return fixture is scheduled to take place at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Wednesday, April 16, where Arsenal will aim to build on their first-leg performance and advance to the semi-final.
