Martin Ødegaard has challenged Arsenal to embrace the pressure and possibility of making history as they stand on the brink of a first Champions League final in two decades.

The Arsenal captain spoke with a calm conviction as his side prepared to face Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano in the first leg of their semifinal, fully aware of the narrative that has followed this team: close, but not quite. Arsenal fell at the same stage last season to Paris Saint-Germain and have finished runners-up in the Premier League for three consecutive campaigns, even as they close in on a long-awaited domestic title.

Ødegaard insisted those near misses must fuel, not burden, the squad. He acknowledged that questions over Arsenal’s ability to get over the line will persist “until we win it,” but framed that scrutiny as part of the club’s evolution. The key, he argued, is to live in the present, not in the shadow of past disappointments.

For Ødegaard, that present is something to savour. Arsenal are deep in a title race in what he called “probably the toughest and most competitive league in the world” while simultaneously contesting a Champions League semifinal. He described it as the scenario he dreamed of as a child, the stage every player aspires to reach, and said he struggles to understand how anyone in the squad could fail to enjoy it.

Arsenal arrive in Madrid unbeaten in this season’s Champions League, though they will be without Kai Havertz and Jurriën Timber through injury. The return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori offers a timely boost as they attempt to go one better than last year’s 3-1 aggregate defeat to the eventual champions.

Ødegaard believes this Arsenal side is better equipped than the one that fell short 12 months ago. He pointed to the impact of new signings and the collective growth that comes from repeated exposure to high-stakes matches, arguing that the team is “stronger” and “more prepared” for the demands of this stage.

Speculation over Ødegaard’s own future has swirled amid his battles with form and fitness, but he dismissed talk of a possible departure, insisting his focus is solely on contributing to something “special” at Arsenal.

Manager Mikel Arteta echoed his captain’s sense of opportunity, describing the tie as a chance to send a message to the rest of Europe. After months of “incredible work, passion and quality,” he said, Arsenal must now make a statement and “attack” the chance in front of them.