David Raya: Arsenal focused on “Making History” ahead of Real Madrid Champions League decider

As Arsenal prepare to step into the Santiago Bernabeu for one of the biggest matches in their modern history, goalkeeper David Raya says the team is focused not on nerves — but on seizing the moment.
Raya, speaking during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, reflected on the mood in the camp ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.

“The mood is great,” he said. “The feeling is not nerves, it's confidence, it's being able to replicate what I did in the first game, and what I'm coming here for — for the win.”

Arsenal hold a slender aggregate advantage heading into the decisive leg, and Raya believes the team’s first-leg display was a statement of intent.

“We have the momentum, I think. The way we play, the way we faced the first leg is incredible for everyone, and we're here just to play our history, to win the game, to come here and win the game, and that's the most important thing.”

Raya Focused on Staying Grounded
The Spanish shot-stopper knows what’s at stake, but insists the only way to deliver a result at the Bernabeu is by focusing on what the players can control.

“You try to be focused on what you can control,” Raya explained. “You can control your actions, you can’t control the outside and the noise and all that, so you have to be very, very focused on what you can do yourself.”

“We cannot think about the fans, the stadium or the atmosphere, we just have to think about ourselves, what we control on the pitch, with the ball. Play the same way that we played in the first game, and create chances to score goals.”

“We are here just to write our own history. I think we win the game and go to the semi-finals, that's what we want to do, that's what we're going to try and achieve.”

Kiwior Earns Praise
Raya also praised teammate Jakub Kiwior, who stepped into the starting XI in the first leg following Gabriel Magalhães’ injury.

“I was impressed because I know how good Jakub is, and I'm very convinced and confident with him, stepping in after the big injury that Gabi sustained against Fulham,” Raya noted.

“I wasn't surprised about his performance, I thought he was very, very good, and we know how good he is, he shows in training every day, so I was very, very happy with his performance, because that gives him confidence, but like I said, I wasn't too surprised.”

David Raya played a key role in Arsenal's resilient home display against Real Madrid. His five saves, confident distribution, and a composed clean sheet gave the Gunners a valuable edge in the tie. The performance reinforced his status as a calming influence in high-stakes matches — especially with top-tier opponents like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior bearing down.