Arsenal out to 'write history' against Real Madrid, says David Raya: 'We have the momentum' | OneFootball

Gunners can become the first English side ever to win twice at the Bernabeu as they look to book Champions League semi-final spot

No fear: David Raya insists all the momentum is with Arsenal ahead of second clash with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu

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David Raya says Arsenal are going to the Bernabeu to win and are not feeling nervous ahead of the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie with holders Real Madrid.

The Gunners head into the game on Wednesday night in a commanding position after winning 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium last week.

Raya says Arsenal have “confidence” they can finish the job, having not lost any match by a four-goal margin since November 2021.

The Gunners can afford to lose 2-0 and would still book a spot in the semi-finals for the first time since 2009, but Raya insists they are going for a historic win.

Arsenal would become the first English side to win twice at the Bernabeu, having also done so in 2006.

“The mood is great,” said Raya. “The feeling is not nerves, it’s confidence. It’s being able to replicate what we did in the first game and come here for the win.

“We have the momentum, I think. The way we play, the way we faced the first leg, it was incredible from everyone.

“We are here to create our own history, to win the game and that’s the most important thing. You try to be focused on what you can control. You can control your action, you can control what you do.

“You cannot control the outside and the noise and all that. You have to be very, very focused on what you can do and, of course, believe in yourself. That’s the most important thing.

“The intention is to win the game. We know how we played in the first game and we have to do the same. We know we have a lead, but we come here just to win the game.

“We are here just to write our own history. Winning the game and going through to the semi-finals is what we want to achieve tomorrow.”

Arsenal kept a clean sheet in the first leg with an excellent defensive display and one of those to shine was Jakub Kiwior.

The Poland international filled in at the heart of defence in the absence of Gabriel, who tore his hamstring at the start of the month.

“I wasn’t impressed, because I know how good Jakub is and I am very convinced and confident with him stepping in after the big injury that Gabi sustained against Fulham,” said Raya.

“I wasn’t surprised about his performance. I thought he was very good and we know how good he is. He shows it in training every day. I was very happy with his performance because it gives him confidence.

“But I wasn’t surprised and it was a matter of time before he showed his quality.”