Modric urges Real Madrid players to focus on Villarreal, admits UCL opponent, Arsenal is a ‘very good team”

Modric made this known ahead of Real Madrid’s crucial La Liga encounter against Villarreal on Saturday

By Kehinde Okeowo

Real Madrid captain, Luka Modric has urged his teammates to first focus on defeating La Liga opponent, Villarreal this weekend before thinking about the  Champions League quarter final against a ‘very good’ Arsenal side.

Modric made the call while speaking  ahead of the La Liga encounter against the Yellow Submarine on Saturday. 

Real Madrid will face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarter-final stage in April.

Both teams head to the competition’s    last-8 stage after eliminating Atletico Madrid and PSV Eindhoven in the Round of 16 second leg fixtures in mid-week.

ALSO READ: Real Madrid beat city rivals, Atletico, advance to UCL quarter final

The Gunners are set to face the La Liga champions for the first time in the competition since their memorable victory against them back in 2006.

Speaking before the league encounter against Villarreal, following Real Madrid’s narrow win against Atletico on Wednesday, Modric said: “Well we will see, there is still a long way to go until that match.

“Now we have to focus on Villarreal and go calmly with the international break.

“Arsenal is a very good team and it’s going to be another interesting knockout round.

“But as I have said we need to prepare for Villarreal first, we have to win there and then we will take the time to think about Arsenal.”

Real Madrid and La Liga leaders, Barcelona are current on 57 points each after playing 27 and 26 league games respectively.

The Spanish champions will, however, be hoping to beat Villarreal and go top of the table before Barcelona travel to Atletico Madrid on Sunday.