Gunners rice to the challenge

'Magic moments'

"Beautiful. So proud of the team. I've never seen the stadium like this," Arteta said.

"For big European nights, you need the big stadiums that create atmosphere, and you need individual magic moments. And, there you go. That's the beauty of whoever invented this sport."

Arsenal famously knocked out Real in the last 16 en route to its only Champions League final appearance in 2006.

Repeating that run to the final and winning the tournament for the first time would end any doubts about Arteta, who has been questioned at times during his team's inconsistent campaign.

But, the Spaniard, whose team blew significant leads in the title race over the previous two seasons, has no intention of taking victory for granted against Carlo Ancelotti's star-studded side.

"When you have not played against this team for the past 20 years, and not had a proper run in this competition, you have to be prepared to write your own history, and it is on nights like this where you can do that. We did that, but we have a lot more to give," he said.

"It's another step in the right direction as a team. But, we have to make another one and replicate what we've done tonight. Now, we have to go to the Bernabeu and do it. That will be another step.

"I will enjoy the win, because we deserve it. But, we have to be even better in Madrid. We are just in the middle of the tie. There is so much to do yet."

For Real to produce an incredible escape act in the second leg, it will have to set a new mark in its glittering European history.

The Spanish giant has never overturned a three-goal first leg Champions League deficit, but Ancelotti is convinced there is still a chance.

"There is always a first time. The only thing you can do together, is to try. The comeback starts tonight," said the Italian.

"The possibilities are quite low, but we have to try at 100 percent and do all we can. It is an opportunity to show our game."

AFP