An entrepreneur and a teacher, Arsenal’s remarkable defence that clashed with Real Madrid in 2006

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Arsenal can take confidence from a remarkable statistic in their upcoming clash with Real Madrid.

The Gunners are yet to concede a goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League and are unbeaten against Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded giants.

Arsenal have clashed with Madrid twice in their history, both times coming in the last-16 of the 2006 Champions League, where Arsene Wenger’s side won 1-0 on aggregate over the two legs.

Thierry Henry struck a wonder goal in the Bernabeu to decide the tie and give Wenger a great Champions League victory however, the defence that night was missing some key players.

READ MORE: The one impressive record Martin Odegaard still holds at Real Madrid despite leaving for Arsenal years ago

Arsenal’s defence included an entrepreneur and a teacher against Real Madrid in 2006

Arsenal were without the injured defensive duo of Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole as they had a makeshift back line for the Champions League clash in 2006.

Kolo Toure impressed against Real Madrid with a superb performance at centre back and was joined by fellow Ivorian Emmanuel Eboue at right back.

Now a successful entrepreneur, Mathieu Flamini was given the unusual role at left back in Cole’s absence. despite being a central midfielder.

The final centre back spot was given to Swiss international Philippe Senderos, who alongside Toure, helped to marshal two extraordinary clean sheets against the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Raul.

Senderos is now a teacher helping the the PFA with their player development programme alongside Gary Neville and former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein.

Mikel Arteta’s makeshift Arsenal defence without Gabriel Magalhaes

Mikel Arteta is facing a similar injury crisis to that of the 2006 side following the news that Gabriel Magalhaes requires hamstring surgery and is out for the rest of the season.

The Gunners boss now faces a selection dilemma over who partners William Saliba at the heart of the defence with Myles Lewis-Skelly set to play at left back.

Jakub Kiwior impressed fans against Everton and would be the most natural replacement on the left side of the defence but Jurrien Timber could also deputise, allowing Ben White to play at full back.

Whoever Arteta chooses, they will know that a performance of real concentration and fight will be required to keep out the likes of Kylian Mbappe and repeat the remarkable feat of Wenger’s 2006 side.