Oleksandr Zinchenko has stoked the fires of determination within the Arsenal ranks ahead of their momentous Champions League quarter-final, issuing a rallying cry: "We're going to need the performance of our lives." The Arsenal squad was glued to the dressing room TV as Real Madrid triumphed over local adversaries Atletico in a tension-filled penalty shootout, setting the stage for a clash with Mikel Arteta's men.
Zinchenko emerged as a standout player while stepping in for the rested captain Martin Odegaard during Wednesday night's 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven. The Ukrainian is now eagerly anticipating the challenge posed by Real's star-studded lineup of Galacticos.
Despite making it to the last eight for consecutive seasons for the first time in over a decade, Arsenal is firmly the underdog, especially considering the formidable second leg at Real's Santiago Bernabeu stronghold. Reflecting on Real's dramatic victory, Zinchenko remarked, "How can you cheer? It was a mixed feeling, because to be honest Atletico have been unlucky with that Julian Alvarez penalty.
"No one said anything. It was just mixed emotions, because to play against Real or Atletico, they are both amazing clubs. It is going to be an amazing experience for all of us. To face one of the best teams in the world, with that much experience and world-class players, is always nice. We are all looking forward to it.
"In this competition, especially at this stage, you cannot be relaxed even for one second because the level and demands from all the teams at this stage is so high.
"If you are relaxed, even for a bit, they can punish you. This is what we should learn from the past. I think we have got this experience already, so let's see how it works."
Arteta faces the daunting task of crafting an exceptional strategy to outplay the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham, with Zinchenko conceding: "The only thing I can say is to play against Real Madrid, you just need to show the best performance of your life. Those are the demands at this level."
Arsenal's last Champions League clash with Real Madrid ended in triumph, with Thierry Henry's decisive goal at the Bernabeu securing a 1-0 aggregate victory in the last 16, propelling the Gunners towards the 2006 final.
Zinchenko, formerly of Manchester City, recalls less pleasant memories of a dramatic late collapse three years ago when Rodrygo's brace and Karim Benzema's penalty after the 90th minute handed Real Madrid an incredible 6-5 aggregate victory.
The Ukrainian couldn't help but laugh: "Don't remind me of that game! It was not the nicest experience. I was not happy with the result, but this experience I hope can help me for the future."
With his contract set to expire next year, Zinchenko's future at the Emirates is shrouded in uncertainty, yet he remains focused on the present: "It's still a long way to go until the end of the season.
"I think we are at the stage and the most interesting period of the season, where every single game is a final and you never know what is going to happen in football."
This article first appeared on The Mirror.