Arsenal weren’t involved in the Champions League round of 16 play-offs but, the Gunners remained close to the action.
Mikel Arteta’s squad are poised to return from Dubai after spending time in the Middle East partaking in hot-weather training.
Last season, the results of Arsenal’s trip to Dubai were staggering, with the same outcome yearned for this time around.
While many have been missing seeing the Gunners in action, there have been some quality clashes on show, with members of the Arsenal squad certainly enjoying the latest Champions League drama.
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Gabriel Magalhaes sends message to Vinicius Junior after Champions League win
Arsenal earned their mid-season break for positive and negative reasons, bailing out of the FA Cup and securing automatic qualification to the Champions League round of 16.
As the Gunners were able to take the back seat to watch the drama unfold, it became clear that some players certainly enjoyed the action from the first leg of the play-offs.
Manchester City hosted Real Madrid in a fiery first-leg clash, with the 15-time winners coming out on top in injury time.
Jude Bellingham scored late to hand Pep Guardiola’s side a shock defeat, as City were leading 2-1 in the 85th minute.
The Galacticos certainly enjoyed the win, as did Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes, who sent a message to Vinicius Junior after his man-of-the-match performance.
Gabriel commented on Vinicius’ Instagram post “machine”, joining many others who celebrated the Brazilian’s display at the Etihad.
It was a statement performance from the winger, who was mocked by Man City prior to the game with reference to him missing out on the Ballon d’Or to Rodri.
Gabriel was unhappy that Rodri won the Ballon d’Or over his Selecao teammate, with the Arsenal defender now celebrating Real Madrid’s win with his countryman.
Former Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos heavily involved in Real Madrid win
It was a memorable night for Vinicius, who had the last laugh after being taunted by Man City but, it was an equally as eventful evening for a former Gunner.
Dani Ceballos started the fixture in midfield for Real Madrid and combatted the game incredibly well, putting the ball on a plate for Kylian Mbappe to score sublimely in the first half.
That being said, things quickly turned into a nightmare for the former Arsenal loanee, who conceded a penalty in the dying embers but fortunately, his teammates ensured his blushes were spared.
Ceballos has transformed since leaving Arsenal, becoming a valued member of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, as seen with his assist against City.
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