Arsenal are gearing up for a crucial UEFA Champions League second leg at the Emirates Stadium, with striker Viktor Gyokeres eager to secure a spot in the final in Budapest.
Gyokeres scored in the first leg against Atletico Madrid, which ended in a 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano. He has scored three goals against the Spanish side this season, including two in a 4-0 league victory.
Gyokeres Ready for Emirates Showdown
Gyokeres expressed his excitement about playing the game at home. “It’s amazing to play this game at home,” he said. “We know what’s at stake, and of course, we have an amazing opportunity to have a great game tomorrow and to enjoy it with the supporters, but we have to do it on the pitch, and of course, with our amazing support, I think it can be a great night.”
He added, “I think there’s a good feeling in the dressing room. I think we are very excited with every game that’s coming now so it’s just to prepare and to show that energy on the pitch.”
A win in N5 would secure Arsenal’s first Champions League final appearance in 20 years. This is an opportunity that Gyokeres is looking forward to.
Drawing on Past Experiences
Gyokeres has been in impressive form in 2026, scoring 18 goals for both club and country. Four of those goals were scored in the World Cup qualifying playoffs, including the winner that secured Sweden’s place in the finals in the USA, Mexico and Canada this summer.
With another significant match approaching, Gyokeres is confident in his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. He said, “I’ve played these games before and these kind of moments where it’s important to win football matches, like when I was with the national team a month ago when we had to win the games to go through to the World Cup.”
“I think tomorrow is going to be another massive game and I think it’s just a great opportunity and an amazing position to have this opportunity.”
Anticipating a Tough Match
Gyokeres anticipates a challenging game against Atletico. “I think it’s going to be a tough game like it was in Madrid. I think Atletico have a great team, they have a lot of attacking quality and we know that they’re dangerous there so of course we have to do that part well and then do what we’re good at when we have the ball.”
Focus on Finishing the Season Strongly
Gyokeres reached 20 goals for the season after scoring twice against Fulham. While pleased with this achievement, his primary focus is on ending the season strongly. He said, “Of course, you want to score goals, so I think to reach that is a good thing, but the most important things are coming this month, so we will have to do our job and see where it gets us this month.”
Arsenal aim to defend their trophy.