Real Madrid stands as a monumental opponent in Arsenal`s European football history this century. For Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery, and now Mikel Arteta, their continental journeys have been marked by tough lessons and missed opportunities.
Celebrations have been rare, with more humbling defeats against giants like Bayern Munich and Barcelona than memorable victories. However, the memory of the Santiago Bernabeu and the resilient defense at Highbury in 2006 remains. That era`s Galacticos, featuring Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and David Beckham at their peak, were held scoreless over three hours by Philippe Senderos and Mathieu Flamini. Thierry Henry, a force against those famous white shirts in Madrid, exemplified brilliance even when simply running down the clock.
The first away win for an English team against Real Madrid became a legendary chapter for Henry`s Arsenal. Now, Arteta and Bukayo Saka are driven to `write their own story,` perhaps with their own flair and impact.
`His moment was his moment,` Saka stated in a press conference before the Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Real Madrid. `We aim to create our own narrative here. Achieving something similar would be incredible.`
Arteta had also emphasized the `our story` theme. This Arsenal squad is clearly aware of the Champions League trophy that eluded Henry and his teammates in Paris.
In previous years, even reaching the final seemed distant for Arsenal. The 2006 final appearance was the last stand for the Invincibles, and subsequent Wenger teams struggled to replicate that success, often facing heavy defeats in the round of 16.
During Emery`s and early Arteta`s periods, those defeats almost felt nostalgic, preferable to underperforming in the Europa League.
This perspective might have shifted as Arsenal reaches back-to-back quarterfinals for the first time in 15 years. They are still considered underdogs against Madrid, despite Saka`s rejection of that label. The potential absences of key players like Gabriel, Kai Havertz, and Riccardo Calafiori will be significant.
Yet, this competition is a chance for this young, bold team to secure their place in Arsenal`s history, a fact Arteta keenly recognizes.
`This competition is incredibly special, one we`ve waited years for. Reaching this stage only twice in 15 years given Arsenal`s stature highlights its difficulty.`
`We intend to forge our own path and go even further, and tomorrow offers a fantastic opportunity.`
Last season, Bayern Munich eliminated Arsenal despite a promising first leg start, possibly due to pressure. Arteta sees value in that experience. `Building on these experiences is crucial. That’s why we must create our own story. There`s been a significant gap of success in European competitions for this club.`
`We need to change that, and quickly.`
Saka`s peak performance is vital to their chances. Before his December hamstring injury, his form rivaled Real Madrid`s top forwards, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. His return against Fulham after 101 days, marked by a winning goal as a substitute, felt like perfect timing.
`Returning at this point in the season couldn`t be better,` Saka said. `My physios and I discussed this game extensively. I`ve been eager to return, not just back, but in top condition. I feel great. This has been my focus for months, and now we`re here, I`m excited.`
`I feel strong. While you can`t rush recovery, I`m getting match fitness and feeling better with each game.`
The prospect of his own Henry-esque moment motivates Saka. Arsenal`s all-time leading scorer has mentored Saka since his youth days. When Saka attacks down the left, echoes of Henry on the opposite flank emerge.
`The biggest takeaway from Thierry is his self-belief,` Saka explained. `He gives me tactical advice, sharing his game perspective. His confidence is inspiring.`
`He genuinely believed no one could stop him on the pitch. That belief fueled his dominance.`
And, of course, Madrid. Those past nights inspire Arteta`s team. `It’s definitely an inspiration, what that generation achieved is our aim,` he said. `It`s a different era, 20 years is a long time in football, different context. But the history is there.`
If history repeats, it would indeed be a remarkable story.
Adrian Whitmore