Real Madrid is a name deeply intertwined with Arsenal`s European journey in the 21st century. For managers like Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery, and now Mikel Arteta, encounters with top European teams have been a mix of tough lessons and missed opportunities.
Moments of pure celebration have been rare, often overshadowed by heavy defeats against giants like Bayern Munich and Barcelona. However, the memory of the 2006 clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, followed by a resolute display at Highbury, remains a highlight. That night, Arsenal, with defenders Philippe Senderos and Mathieu Flamini, held a star-studded Real Madrid team featuring Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and David Beckham scoreless over two legs. Thierry Henry`s brilliance shone through, particularly in Madrid, showcasing his ability to dominate even against world-class opposition.
Arsenal`s historic first away victory against Real Madrid became a legendary chapter in Henry`s Arsenal career. Now, Arteta and Bukayo Saka are focused on forging their own path to glory, hoping to add their own memorable moments to the club`s European history.
“His moment was incredible,” Saka acknowledged regarding Henry`s past achievements in a pre-match press conference before the Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Real Madrid. “We are here to build our own legacy. But achieving something similar would be truly special.”
Arteta has also emphasized the theme of “our story” leading up to this crucial match. This Arsenal squad appears keenly aware of the significance of a Champions League title, a trophy that eluded even the legendary generation of Henry.
In previous years, even reaching the final seemed a distant dream for Arsenal. The 2006 final appearance marked the end of an era for Wenger`s “Invincibles,” and subsequent Arsenal teams often struggled against Europe`s elite in the knockout stages.
During the later years of Emery`s tenure and the initial phase of Arteta`s rebuild, defeats in Europe, while disappointing, at least came against top-tier teams, arguably preferable to underachieving in the Europa League.
Arsenal`s current participation in back-to-back quarterfinals, a first in 15 years, signifies a shift. While they may be considered underdogs against Real Madrid, a label Saka disputes, the absence of key players like Gabriel, Kai Havertz, and Riccardo Calafiori will be noticeable.
Nevertheless, this Champions League campaign is a golden opportunity for this young and determined Arsenal team to etch their names into the club`s history. Arteta is deeply conscious of this.
“This competition is incredibly special, something we have waited years for. Considering Arsenal`s stature, reaching this stage only twice in 15 years highlights the challenge,” Arteta noted.
“We are determined to create our own narrative and progress even further. Tomorrow presents a wonderful opportunity for us all.”
Last season`s Champions League exit against Bayern Munich, despite a promising start, serves as a learning experience. Arteta believes in the importance of these experiences for growth. “Building on these experiences is essential. That`s why we talk about writing our own story. There has been a significant gap in European success for this club for many years.”
“We need to change that, and we need to change it quickly.”
Saka`s peak performance is crucial to Arsenal`s chances. Before his December hamstring injury, his form was comparable to Real Madrid`s star attackers, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. His recent return against Fulham, marked by a winning goal as a substitute, felt perfectly timed.
“Returning at this point in the season feels ideal,” Saka stated. “My physios can attest to the intense focus on being ready for this game. I have been working hard for months to get back in top condition, and I feel great now. We are here, and I am excited.”
“I feel strong. While regaining full match fitness takes time, I feel I`m getting stronger with each game.”
The possibility of a “Henry moment” is within Saka`s reach. Arsenal`s all-time leading scorer has been a significant mentor to Saka since his youth academy days. When Saka attacks down the left wing, echoes of Henry`s impact on the opposite flank are evident.
“The most impactful thing I learn from Thierry is his self-belief,” Saka shared. “He offers specific insights on game situations and his perspective. His unwavering confidence is what I admire most.”
“He genuinely believed he was unstoppable on the pitch, and that belief fueled his dominance in the league.”
And, of course, against Real Madrid. These past encounters serve as motivation for Arteta`s team. “It`s definitely inspiring because their achievements are what we aspire to,” Arteta said. “It`s a different era, 20 years is a long time in football, and the context is different. But the history is there.”
If history were to repeat itself, it would indeed be another remarkable chapter in Arsenal`s story.
