Freddie Ljungberg’s previous verdict on Arsenal triumph over Real Madrid provides clear blueprint for Mikel Arteta

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Arsenal can take confidence going into their Champions League second leg knowing they are yet to concede a goal against Real Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti revealed Kylian Mbappe’s ‘motivation’ in training is just one aspect giving him confidence that Real Madrid can over turn the three goal deficit in the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid fans have fired a warning to Arsenal and Mikel Arteta will know that his side need to prepare to come under intense pressure and scrutiny both on and off the pitch.

However, Arsenal have conquered the home of Real Madrid before in one of their greatest Champions League victories back in 2006 and star on the night Freddie Ljungberg, has revealed the blueprint for the current side.

READ MORE: ‘Admittedly…’ Carlo Ancelotti has spotted one thing Arsenal don’t have ahead of Real Madrid second leg

Freddie Ljungberg provides Mikel Arteta Arsenal blueprint against Real Madrid

Speaking to TNT Sports, former Gunners winger Ljungberg told Arsenal team mate Martin Keown that he believed that his team under Arsene Wenger were better than Real Madrid during their 2006 clash.

Ljungberg stated: “We felt they were very vulnerable because they had very offensive players, of course Jens made some big big saves and we made some mistakes but I felt as long as we could keep it tight at the back we would score. We felt quite nice we had balance, speed and technical passing ability.”

The Swede, who went on to manage Arsenal in a caretaker role back in 2019, provided Arteta with the perfect game plan for the current second leg with his comments.

Real Madrid will dominate the game with the likes of Mbappe and Jude Bellingham being a huge threat but if Arsenal can keep their discipline and defensive shape, opportunities will arise on the counter attack.

Freddie Ljungberg’s Arsenal career

Ljungberg was excellent that night in the Bernabeu playing just behind match winner Thierry Henry and although it was the French man that scored on that occasion, Ljungberg was often chipping in with important goals.

He scored a stunner in the 2002 FA Cup final and also fired a sequence of goals that season in the Premier League title run in, often provided by team mate Dennis Bergkamp.

The red streak through his hair made Ljungberg a firm fan favourite during his time in North London and his runs from wide to penetrate the box caused defences nightmares.

Ljungberg will be hoping Arteta’s side can see the job through and reach their first Champions League semi final in 16 years but the Swede knows better than anyone, it is not over yet.