Only half-time for Arsenal despite 'magic moments'

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Mikel Arteta applauds after matchImage source, Getty Images

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made sure to get the message across that it is just half-time in their Champions League tie with Real Madrid despite his side's impressive 3-0 win.

The Gunners produced their best performance of the season to stun Los Blancos in the quarter-final first leg with Declan Rice scoring two excellent long-range free kicks.

The goals are the first two free kicks the midfielder has scored in his career and Mikel Merino, acting as a makeshift striker, scored his fifth goal in nine games as Arsenal set themselves up with an impressive lead before next week.

Arteta spoke about how he believes that the crowd played a massive part in the win and talked of "magic moments" that secure such victories.

After that though, in his post-match news conference, the manager referenced a few times how it is only half-time and that his Arsenal team still need to go to the Bernabeu.

The Gunners boss will be aware of the magic that Madrid can produce in this competition and will not want his side to be caught unaware when they travel to Spain.

Arteta says he wants his team to "elevate their level" for that game next week as the Gunners look to set up a special end to their season.

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