Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois previewed the Champions League quarter-final clash with Arsenal.
It’s been 19 years since the two clubs met in the competition, when Arsenal got the better of Real Madrid in 2006.
Since then, the Galacticos have won the Champions League six times, with the Gunners still waiting to experience European glory.
Mikel Arteta hopes to change Arsenal’s fate in the tournament, as the Emirates prepares to host Real Madrid in the first leg of the quarter-final.
Thibaut Courtois sends warning to Arsenal
Ahead of the tie, Arteta called on Arsenal fans to bring the noise in N5, emphasising the importance of a strong result to take to the Bernabeu in the second leg.
In his pre-match press conference, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti praised Arsenal and the project Arteta is building, ahead of what promises to be a thrilling tie.
Alongside Ancelotti to face the media was goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who, whilst also praising the Gunners, fired a warning to those at the Emirates.
Courtois was prompted to comment on Arsenal’s unbeaten record at home in the Champions League this season.
“I didn’t know that. I don’t think it’s something that will change much,” Courtois said.
“It’s like saying we’ve won 15 Champions League trophies, I don’t think it changes anything.”
The former Chelsea shot-stopper then made it clear that he’s unfazed by Arsenal’s strong record at the Emirates, bringing Liverpool into the discussion.
“They’re strong at home, but so were Liverpool and we beat them 5-2. We know they play well, and we have to try to win the game.
“It’s the first time we’ve played here for many years. We know it will be a very tough game.”
Real Madrid beat Liverpool 6-2 on aggregate in the 2022/23 Champions League, knocking Jurgen Klopp’s side out in the round of 16 with a remarkable performance at Anfield.
Real Madrid’s record in England
Having faced six English teams over the years in the Champions League, Real Madrid are far from intimidated by what the Premier League can offer.
| Club | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | GD +/- |
| Liverpool | 11 | 7 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| Man City | 14 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Chelsea | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Man United | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Spurs | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Leeds United | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Arsenal | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 |
Los Blancos have played 45 Champions League matches against English opposition, winning 51.1% of the duels, however, they possess a 0% win rate against one side.
That club is Arsenal, of course, failing to overcome the Gunners in 2006, the year that Arsene Wenger’s side went on to reach the final in Paris.
Can the North Londoners keep Real Madrid waiting for a win against them over the upcoming two legs? Arteta will certainly hope so.
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