Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on his players to be brave and believe in themselves ahead of the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on Wednesday, with the Spanish giants eyeing another epic comeback.

The Gunners cantered to a comfortable 3-0 win in the first leg last week at the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of two sublime free-kick goals from Declan Rice and a lovely finish from Mikel Merino.

But Real Madrid will naturally have reason to believe that a comeback is on the cards, considering their history of fighting back from losing positions in this competition, especially when playing at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's clash, Arteta indicated that Arsenal were well aware that the defending champions and 15-time European champions were very capable of overturning the result at home.

"Our approach is to win it. The same as we did in London," Arteta said in a press conference on Tuesday.

"Real Madrid are going to try to take us places we don't want to go. I understand it because it is part of their history, and they have the right to be talking about these kinds of [comeback] scenarios.

"We have to show the mindset to win. To be brave, to be dominant and to be determined. We need to have the conviction that we can be better than them and win the game."

Indeed, Arteta has good reason to be optimistic. There have been 47 instances of a team taking a lead of at least three goals into the second leg of a Champions League knockout tie, and only four of those teams have been eliminated.

But Real Madrid’s reputation in this competition is not unwarranted.

Just last season, they pulled off a great escape to beat Bayern Munich, with two late goals from substitute Joselu helping them on their way to their 15th European Cup.

The infamous 2021-22 season also saw Los Blancos perform similar unlikely miracles in tight clashes against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Arteta added that his players must not only believe in their ability but also embrace the excitement and atmosphere of such an occasion as the Gunners are looking to reach just their third-ever Champions League semi-final and their first since 2009.

"When you have to create a story, first of all you have to be excited about it," the Spaniard said.

"The players have to be prepared, and you have to be really convinced about what you want to achieve."

The Arsenal manager acknowledged that emotions would run high but stated that Arsenal can draw on their previous experiences throughout the season as they were embroiled in a fight for the Premier League title with Liverpool, though the Reds are certain winners now.

"The emotional aspect is really important, and I have a lot of reassurance from what the team has done all season, in positive contexts and very difficult contexts.

"To progress to the semis like this and to be convinced we are going to handle any kind of situation, we are going to enjoy it," he added.

Arsenal will also take some confidence from their fantastic record against Real Madrid, having remained unbeaten against them in three meetings (two wins, one draw) without conceding a single goal.

Arteta added that his side would be boosted by the return of both Ben White and Thomas Partey from injury.

Jorginho was ruled out following a rib injury in Arsenal’s Premier League draw against Brentford on Saturday.