Arsenal’s ambitions extend far beyond reaching the Champions League semi-finals, coach Mikel Arteta insisted ahead of their first-leg showdown against French champions Paris St Germain. Meanwhile, PSG manager Luis Enrique believes his side is vastly improved since their previous encounter with the English club.

Arsenal produced a dominant display to eliminate record 15-time champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, winning 5-1 on aggregate. “We have overcome a lot of issues and challenges this season, and the fact that the team is here as one of the best four teams in Europe says a lot about the mindset, the spirit, and how much we really want it,” Arteta told reporters. “We are making history, and it’s a beautiful story right now, but we want more.”

It will be Arsenal’s third-ever appearance in the semi-finals and their first since 2009. Arteta underlined the players’ confidence heading into Tuesday’s match: “I look them in the eyes and they can’t wait to play tomorrow, that’s the feeling.”

However, PSG, who lost 2-0 to Arsenal in the group stage last October, are no longer the same team, according to Luis Enrique. “That was seven or eight months ago. We’re a much better team today,” he said. PSG have since clinched their fourth straight Ligue 1 title, reached the French Cup final, and knocked out Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and Aston Villa to earn their semi-final berth.

Paris St Germain coach Luis Enrique during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

“We had a very intense group phase that made us stronger and more complete,” Enrique added. “These are Champions League semi-finals, but they’re still two games between two teams with the same goal. The key will be managing the pressure.”

Both Arsenal and PSG are chasing their maiden Champions League title. Arsenal, unbeaten for more than two months across all competitions, will be without suspended midfielder Thomas Partey and injured defender Riccardo Calafiori. Defender Ben White and forward Mikel Merino, however, could return for the clash.

Arteta tempered expectations despite the team’s momentum: “When you look at the history, no, we are not favourites because we’ve never done it. But hopefully, performances can change that perception.”

Enrique echoed a similar sentiment: “When we say we want to make history, we’re talking about doing something that nobody has done before us. We must not let past failures stop us.”

The stage is now set for a thrilling semi-final between two ambitious clubs, both determined to finally lift Europe’s most prestigious trophy.