Mikel Arteta has been in charge of Arsenal for over six years, let’s take a look at his team’s results in Europe.
2019-20: Early Europa League Exit
Arsenal suffered a shock early exit from the Europa League in Mikel Arteta’s first European campaign as manager. They did the hard work, beating Greek side Olympiakos 1-0 away from home in the opening leg of the round of 32 tie. But the Gunners went out on the away goals rule after losing the second leg 2-1 at Emirates Stadium.
2020-21: Europa League Semi-Finals
After winning the FA Cup in his first season as Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta led the Gunners to the semi-finals of the Europa League in his first full European campaign as manager. They lost an eventful first leg 2-1 at Villarreal, who were managed by former Arsenal boss Unai Emery. Nicolas Pepe kept the 10-man Gunners in the tie, pulling back a late goal from the penalty spot at the El Madrigal, but they went out after being held to a frustrating goalless draw at the Emirates.
2022-23: Knocked Out on Penalties
Arsenal returned to European competition after failing to qualify the previous season, but were once again left frustrated after being knocked out on penalties by Sporting in the round of 16. After a 2-2 draw in Lisbon, Arsenal were pegged back in the return leg after Granit Xhaka had handed them the lead, Pedro Goncalves equalising with a spectacular long-range chip. In previous seasons Arsenal would have gone through on the away goals rule, with the tie finishing 3-3 after extra time, but instead they went out after losing the shootout 5-3.
2023-24: Champions League Quarter-Finals
After four campaigns in the Europa League, Mikel Arteta led Arsenal back into the Champions League for the first time since the 2016-17 season. They made it to the quarter-finals before suffering a 3-2 defeat on aggregate to Bayern Munich. Goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard ensured a rollercoaster first leg finished all square. But Joshua Kimmich clinched the tie for the German champions, scoring the only goal of the second leg at the Allianz Arena.
2024-25: Champions League Semi-Finals
Arsenal went one step further last season, reaching a second European semi-final of Mikel Arteta’s reign, this time in the Champions League. But they became the third English side to be knocked out during the campaign by eventual champions Paris St-Germain. After a disappointing 1-0 loss at home in the first leg, the Gunners had the upper hand at the Parc des Princes but were foiled by heroics from then PSG stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma, eventually going down 3-1 on aggregate.
Arsenal go into Wednesday’s opening leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on the back of a morale-boosting Premier League victory at home to Newcastle, which followed a punishing run of four defeats in six matches.