Theo Walcott says Arsenal must do one thing to beat Real Madrid in latest Champions League prediction

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Theo Walcott had one piece of advice for Arsenal ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Real Madrid.

With the Premier League title in Liverpool’s hands, Arsenal’s remaining hope of silverware lies in the Champions League. 

Mikel Arteta’s side will have to overcome a blockbuster quarter-final to book a place in the final four of the tournament, with Real Madrid awaiting over two legs. 

Thierry Henry had a strong message for Arsenal ahead of the Champions League clash, and he’s not the only club icon to preview the tie. 

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Theo Walcott sends advice to Arsenal ahead of Real Madrid tie

Henry wants Arsenal to be confident against Real Madrid, emphasising the importance of belief when playing a club as successful as the Galacticos.

Though the Gunners will head into the two-legged tie as the underdogs, Real Madrid are wary of Arsenal due to the history between the two clubs. 

Arsenal beat Real Madrid in the 2006 Champions League round of 16, a match that Henry scored in and, Theo Walcott witnessed. 

Walcott reminisced on the tie when speaking on Arsenal’s pre-match show ahead of Fulham. 

“You have to be excited for the game, right? Me personally, I remember going back in ’06 when I was part of the squad and Henry did his thing, talking about memories… this game was incredible and that happened and I was only just 17. I had my baby face, long sideburns.”

The Arsenal icon went on to give Arteta’s side some advice before playing Carlo Ancelotti’s squad of champions, focusing on the first leg at the Emirates. 

“This game, I feel Arsenal need two goals heading to the Bernabeu, I genuinely do because they [Real Madrid] will score, as much as Arsenal’s defence is as solid as it is, you need two goals going to the Bernabeu to have a chance.” 

Arsenal’s defensive record in the Champions League under Mikel Arteta

Walcott called on Arsenal to ensure they take an attacking advantage to the Bernabeu rather than rely on their defensive superiority.

“At home, I don’t think we’ll concede, but you need those two goals,” the former Gunner said.

It’s no surprise that Walcott mentioned the need to score, given just how much of a threat Real Madrid pose in the final third. 

That being said, the Spanish giants will be aware of Arsenal’s defensive strength under Arteta, who has watched his side concede only 13 goals in 20 Champions League matches.

Since Arteta’s first season coaching Arsenal in the Champions League in 2023/24, the Gunners have secured clean sheets in 40% of their matches, making the North Londoners a real force to be reckoned with.

Real Madrid will want to put Arsenal’s back four to the test over two legs, a storm that the defence can weather so long as the attack fulfils their tasks.