Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has indicated that their Thursday's UEFA Europa League second leg semifinal tie against Arsenal FC is far from forgone conclusion.
The Los Colchoneros hold a slender advantage ahead of Thursday's encounter due to the away goal rule following their 1-1 stalemate with the Gunners at the Emirates last week.
Several pundits have earmarked Diego Simeone's side as overwhelming favourites to progress to the final of the competition due to their strong home form.
However, Partey has downplayed those claims - insisting that their opponents will be more motivated to win the coveted trophy for their manager Arsene Wenger - who announced last week that he will be departing the club at the end of the current campaign.
“The tie is not over but of course not to sound arrogant we know what we have to do to get to the final."
“They have their mission to sign off Wenger very well but we also have to continue to ensure that every season we are among the best in Europe and that is where our fire comes from."
“Things can change so fast in football so we don’t have to lower our guard we know we have world class players but Arsenal has also world class players so it will all come down to the determined team so we will be ready for them for another battle.”
Atletico Madrid fell behind to Alexandre Lacazette's first half header before a late Antoine Griezmann leveled the score line for the Spanish giants in the first leg.
The final of the competition is set to come off on Wednesday, May 16 at the Stade de Lyon.
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