Real Madrid stand in the way of Arsenal and the Champions League semi-final, with the stage set for a European showdown.
Despite the stature of Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the Champions League, Arsenal will be confident against Real Madrid.
After Arsenal beat PSV Eindhoven 9-3 to progress to the quarter-final, Real Madrid edged past Atletico Madrid on penalties to learn their fate.
Mikel Arteta’s squad have arguably their greatest challenge as the 15-time Champions League winners await, with one player already suggesting that he’s dreading the tie.
Ben White’s admission about Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr
For once in the Champions League, history is on Arsenal’s side as the Gunners beat Real Madrid over two legs in 2006.
Thierry Henry’s goal was all it took to separate the two clubs that year, as the Frenchman silenced the Bernabeu to see the English side progress, which will give Arteta some motivation.
Though Real Madrid have never beaten Arsenal competitively, it’s natural that Los Blancos will be feared, as one Gunner has already expressed his desire to avoid playing the holders.
Ben White might have jinxed the quarter-final lineup when speaking to Ben Foster for Amazon Prime in October.
White was asked who his ‘dream Champions League final opponent’ would be, with the Englishman being transparent with his answer.
“Because I wanna win it, probably someone not great, half-time 4-0 up would be nice, wouldn’t it?” He said.
Foster admired the right-back’s response, mentioning Real Madrid as a common answer to the question.
“That’s the most honest answer you’ll get because most people will go ‘Real Madrid or Man City’.”
The Arsenal defender was quick to explain why his answer differed from the norm, name-dropping Vinicius Junior as a player he’d like to avoid facing.
“I do not want to play against Vinicius Junior, no thank you,” White said sternly.
Four months later and the 27-year-old’s nightmare looks set to come true, as Vinicius Jr will indeed test Arsenal in the quarter-final.
How many goal contributions does Vinicius Jr have in 2024/25?
It doesn’t take an expert to predict why White would not want to play against Vinicius Jr, who is one of the world’s best left-wingers.
The Brazilian finished second to Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d’Or, with his achievements over the 2023/24 campaign recognised.
This season has been just as dazzling for the 24-year-old, who has 29 goal contributions in all competitions so far, nine of which coming in the Champions League.
There’s a good chance that White has already started to think about how to limit Vinicius Jr’s threat, in what could be a decisive battle in the wide areas over the two legs.
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