Arsenal’s final Champions League group match against Girona on Wednesday offers the chance to secure their place in the last 16 with minimal drama.
A draw at the Montilivi Stadium will guarantee progression, while even a defeat would require an unlikely series of results to deny them a top-eight finish.
Mikel Arteta’s side can head into this clash with confidence, knowing their fate is firmly in their hands.
Arsenal head to Spain on the back of an impressive 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb in their last European outing, marking a club first with three consecutive Champions League victories by at least three goals.
This consistency has been underpinned by defensive solidity, with Arsenal yet to concede from open play in the competition this season.
Arteta hailed his team’s discipline, saying: “We’ve been better this season – more consistent and focused. We know how difficult it is to win in the Champions League.”
The Gunners also showed grit in their recent 1-0 Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers despite being reduced to 10 men after Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card.
However, that decision was overturned on appeal, a result Arteta celebrated. “I’m obviously very happy,” he remarked. “It’s a positive outcome for Myles and the team.”
While Arsenal prepare for a match with clear stakes, Girona are playing solely for pride, having already been eliminated from the competition.
Last season’s La Liga overachievers have struggled in Europe, losing six of their seven matches, including a narrow 1-0 defeat to AC Milan last time out.
Their sole victory was against Slovan Bratislava, and they risk setting an unwanted record as the first ‘big-five’ league side to lose five consecutive Champions League matches without scoring.
Girona’s domestic form has also taken a hit, with a 2-1 loss to Rayo Vallecano at the weekend leaving them eighth in La Liga.
Balancing league and European commitments has proved challenging for Michel’s side, who will look to salvage some dignity in their final group-stage outing.
Arteta dismissed the idea of taking this game lightly. “We are here to win,” he said. “Girona are a strong side, and their Champions League games have shown they can make life difficult for anyone.”
With knockout qualification on the line, Arsenal are expected to field a strong line-up and continue their push for silverware on multiple fronts.
