Renee Slegers, Arsenal's head coach, has insisted that there will be no panic from her side as they aim to overturn a first-leg deficit in their Women's Champions League quarter-final match against Real Madrid. The Gunners are facing a tough challenge after a 2-0 defeat last week at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium, where the pitch was heavily criticised.
Goals from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo in each half have left Arsenal's hopes of winning any silverware this season hanging by a thread ahead of Wednesday's clash at the Emirates Stadium.
"We are aware of Real Madrid's threat, but we know what we need to do," Slegers told uefa.com. "We have lots of quality in the squad and will try to make the correct decisions when needed. Together with our fans, we can create something magical and it's down to us and what we bring to the game."
Arsenal are already out of the FA Cup and trail Women's Super League leaders Chelsea by eight points, so a loss to Madrid would be a significant setback. "All games are important if you're coaching Arsenal but we know what this means for a lot of people," Slegers added.
"I know for a fact that we are going to be calm and composed but we have to plan for a lot of different scenarios. We have belief."
History is on Arsenal's side, who are in the Champions League last eight for a record-equalling 16th time and remain the only English team to have won the trophy, back in 2007.
Real Madrid's women's team have reached this stage of the Champions League for only the second time, with aspirations to advance further than ever before.
Leah Williamson, the defender, emphasised the significance of the upcoming fixtures: "This is the biggest week or month we've had in terms of staying in knockout competitions and this game is no different."
She added, "With the work that we've done, I think you can see the direction we're going in, but we need to make the results count for us."
Williamson also stated their immediate focus: "We're focusing on the task in hand and, as always, trying to win."
Madrid experienced a momentous week, having triumphed over Arsenal and then securing their first-ever victory against fierce rivals Barcelona after 18 consecutive defeats.
Scotland international and ex-Arsenal player Caroline Weir was instrumental, netting two decisive goals in the 3-1 win, setting up Real Madrid for an upbeat trip to London.
Weir shared her thoughts on Realmadrid TV: "It's a great opportunity to progress in the Champions League," and acknowledged the challenge ahead: "It's going to be another tough game against Arsenal at the Emirates, with a difficult atmosphere and we can't wait to play."