The stage is set for Arsenal’s Champions League showdown against Real Madrid.
There are few challenges as difficult as facing Real Madrid in the Champions League, with Arsenal the next hurdle for the Galacticos to try and clear.
Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal fans to step up when Carlo Ancelotti’s side arrive for the first leg at the Emirates.
The Gunners will be seeking their first Champions League semi-final since 2009, with history telling you that progression is very much possible.
Mikel Arteta reveals inspiration over Arsenal’s 2006 win over Real Madrid
Arsenal beat Real Madrid 1-0 over two legs in the 2006 Champions League, overcoming the Spanish giants on their road to the final.
Los Blancos were the favourites to beat the Gunners back then, as Thierry Henry recalled how those in Spain reacted to drawing Arsenal.
Henry had the last laugh, as Arsene Wenger’s side beat Real Madrid thanks to a second-leg win at the Bernabeu.
The two clubs haven’t faced each other competitively since, with the fixture that unfolded 19 years ago one prominent in Arsenal’s history.
In his pre-match press conference, Arteta was quizzed about the significance of the result all those years ago, unsurprisingly admitted that he’s used the victory as a source of inspiration.
“As an inspiration for sure because that generation, what they achieved is what we want to achieve certainly.”
The Arsenal manager went on to explain that while the win was inspirational, there are some stark differences between football now and then.
“Very different, 20 years is a long time in football, very different context. But the history is there,” Arteta explained.
“Unfortunately, it’s too far to be very relative to the situation that we are in. But there are things to take from there to be inspired from for sure.”
Parallels between the 2006 and 2024/25 meeting with Real Madrid
While there won’t be a Henry on hand to break the deadlock as the Frenchman did in 2006, there’s a new wave of superstars that could become heroes over the next week.
The tie being set up with the second leg away from home was a concern for some, but for others, it only reinforced the magic of history.
Arsenal held Real Madrid to a 0-0 draw at Highbury in 2006, followed by a 1-0 win at the Bernabeu that will forever be spoken about.
Arteta will be relying on his squad to follow in the squad of 2006’s lead, with everything on the line when Ancelotti’s side touch down in N5.
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