The dates for the Champions League quarter-finals have been announced, and Arsenal and Aston Villa are the final two British teams remaining in the tournament.
The Gunners eased into the last-eight after a 2-2 draw against PSV sealed a 9-3 aggregate win, while Unai Emery’s men also cruised into the next round after beating Club Brugge 3-1 to secure a 6-1 aggregate victory.
Arsenal will now prepare for a huge quarter-final tie against reigning champions Real Madrid, with UEFA confirming the first leg will take place at the Emirates on Tuesday, April 8 at 8pm GMT.
Villa, meanwhile, face Liverpool’s conquerors PSG the following day on Wednesday, April 9 at the same time, with the first leg set to be at the Parc de Princes.
The second legs will take place a week later and Emery’s men should be happy they are playing the second and decisive second leg at Villa Park, which will take place on Tuesday, April 15.
Arsenal then face a daunting trip to the Bernabeu on Wednesday, April 16, hoping that they are still in the tie before their demanding test at one of Europe’s toughest grounds.
The semi-finals first legs will be played on April 29 and 30, with the second legs set for May 6 and 7.
Interestingly enough, should Arsenal and Villa stun their favoured opponents and both reach the semi-finals, they will play each other for the chance to reach the final against Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan or Borussia Dortmund.
Arsenal certainly have the hardest game and Arteta believes their support at the first home leg will be crucial to the tie.
“The first thing is that you have to be at your best when it comes to that for the two games, for every minute,” the Spaniard said. “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.”
Champions League quarter-final dates
All games kick off at 8pm
April 8
Arsenal vs Real Madrid
Bayern Munich vs Inter
April 9
PSG vs Aston Villa
Barcelona vs Dortmund
April 15
Aston Villa vs PSG
Dortmund vs Barcelona
April 16
Real Madrid vs Arsenal
Inter vs Bayern Munich
