Odegaard relishing semi-final showdown | Interview | News
Martin Odegaard believes our experiences of reaching this stage of the UEFA Champions League last season can help us go all the way this time around.
We were knocked out by PSG in the final four in 2024/25, but after qualifying for the semi-finals for a second season running, we’re aiming to overcome Atlético de Madrid and reach the final for the first time since 2006.
Ahead of our first leg in the Spanish capital, our skipper said: “I think we’re stronger in different ways.”
“Obviously we have some new players in as well, and I feel like we’re stronger. I feel like we learned from all of those experiences last year and are probably even more prepared now for this. I feel like we’re stronger in many different ways. We’re up for it and we’re ready to go.
“We’re really confident. We have full belief in what we’re doing. The energy of the group is great, we’re in a great position, and we’re ready for tomorrow.”
We take on an Atleti team that has knocked out Tottenham and Barcelona to reach the final four, bidding to reach their first UCL final in 10 years.
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“They’re a great team, it’s a strong team,” Martin said. “They’re very competitive and they’ve worked with this manager for a long time.
“Really, really strong team, in a great stadium with good supporters. They’re strong at home, so it’s going to be a great battle and looking forward to it.”
Our captain has returned to full fitness following an injury against Sporting CP in the previous round.
Odegaard admits it has been frustrating to have been away from the pitch, but having made his comeback, is keen to make up for lost time.
“It’s probably the hardest thing for a football player to be out injured. That’s tough but it’s a part of the life as a footballer, as an athlete, you have to deal with those moments and I think you’ve got to see the positive sides, you’ve got to see where you can learn something.
“Also, you get even hungrier to get back on the pitch, and you’ve got to take the positives and learn from it.”
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