The class and grandeur of Real Madrid in 2006 were humbled by the balanced and simple Arsenal in the Champions League round of 16.
Real Madrid, often referred as the “Galacticos” fielded big names such as Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Roberto Carlos, and Robinho faced off against the Gunners, led by Thierry Henry and a budding young Cesc Fabregas.
The whole of the old Santiago Bernabeu was left in absolute shock when Catalonian-born Fabregas passed Barcelona-bound Henry on the centre line, who sped past four Real Madrid defenders to slot the ball past Iker Casillas to hand Arsenal the lead.
The legendary Frenchman’s outrageous solo goal won the match, as well as the tie. Arguably his finest hour for the Gunners.
“As soon as we are not scared to play good football, we can do it, and at the back we were tremendous,” Henry said in his post-match interview that night.
Fast-forward to 2025, Mikel Arteta has shown determination and promise to emulate the legendary Arsène Wenger in upsetting the record winners of the Champions League.
Arsenal, going into the game without the ever-reliable Gabriel Magalhães, would force Arteta to get extra creative in his tactics and strategies against the experienced Real Madrid.
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois, Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga, Valverde, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Mbappe.
Arsenal predicted XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Thomas, Rice, Odegaard, Martinelli, Saka, Merino.
