Luka Modric delivers Arsenal verdict ahead of Real Madrid Champions League test | Football

Luka Modric warned his Real Madrid teammates they cannot afford to be sidetracked by the thought of facing a ‘good’ Arsenal team in the Champions League.

The Gunners are set to face the European champions for the first time in competitive action since their memorable victory against the Spanish giants back in 2006.

Real booked their place in the last eight following a hugely controversial win over local rival Atletico, while Arsenal’s place in the quarter finals was already assured prior to last night’s 2-2 draw against PSV Eindhoven.

Despite their contrasting routes to the latter stages of Europe’s elite club competition, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are certain to start the tie as strong favourites.

Modric, who was part of the last Tottenham team to win a Premier League game at the Emirates Stadium, won’t be taking anything for granted when his side locks horns with Arsenal but with the first leg not due to take place until the second week in April he knows much can change between now and then.

‘Well we will see, there’s still a long way to go until that match,’ said the 39-year-old after last night’s narrow escape against Atletico.

‘Now we have to focus on Villarreal and go calmly with the international break.

‘Arsenal is a very good team and it’s going to be another interesting knockout round. But as I’ve said we need to prepare for Villarreal first, we have to win there and then we will take the time to think about Arsenal.’

Mikel Arteta will certainly be relishing the challenge and it will be his responsibility to foster a spirit and belief amongst his players that they can overcome the odds.

‘The first thing is that you have to be at your best when it comes to that for the two games, for every minute,’ said Arteta when asked how he would approach the tie against Real.

‘Don’t give anything away, because they’re going to take it. And today, we’ve seen that with the two goals that we’ve conceded as well, so that’s a big learning.

In the end, the game is going to be decided in the boxes, individual talent, individual performances is crucial, and then creating an unbelievable atmosphere when we have the opportunity to play at home, that is crucial.’

Arsenal reached the quarter finals last season after 15-year absence before narrowly succumbing to Bayern Munich.

Asked what he had learned from that experience, Arteta added: ‘Last year we played Bayern, and with the history of those clubs and how consistently in the last 20-25 years being there, and we were riding there in the home game, we had them on the ropes.

‘They escaped and when we were there we were a bit short to get to that final stage. So hopefully we will learn we are better than then and we can make it happen.’

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