Arsenal vs Real Madrid 08.04.2025 - 20:00 KO GMT

[HCZ_Reborn]

Arguably the most consequential European tie for Arsenal in over a decade, both in terms of prestige and in terms of being a barometer of where we are and how far we still have to go.


Real Madrid are one of those teams that can be irrepressible when it comes to knockout European football, but they have been bested by English opponents (City in 2020 and 2023, Chelsea in 2021)

They have of course also bested English teams in that time

This has not been a consistently good team in Europe - Lost to AC Milan, Lille and Liverpool in the league stage, but they steamrolled City and despite being taken all the way by city rivals Atletico ultimately triumphed against them.

It could be argued that their six trophies in 11 seasons suggests they win when they need to

They are the reigning European champions

If we fall short (which I suspect we may) I think ultimately our shortcoming will be up front rather than in defence. Saka is our best player I don’t think there’s any doubt about that, but we cannot rely on him to single handedly bring us through. An inconsistent Martinelli and Odegaard who looks like he’s short on confidence and amazingly short on form are going to have to show something they’ve not shown for an age…what they are truly capable of

I would favour this lineup

Raya, White, Timber, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Partey, Odegaard, Martinelli, Nwaneri, Saka

[Letters]

I hope we win, tbh.

[Marc Overmars]

Just hoping we make it competitive and also learn from that first leg against Bayern last year where we could have won but instead lost composure and had to scrape a draw.

I’m going to try and be positive for this and say a 2-1 win. :scarf:

Rice is on a yellow card though, not having him in the Bernabeu would be disastrous for our already slim chances of progressing.

[Letters]

Ah. Apparently it's on Prime. Nice. Will be watching then.

[Mac76]

0-3 Mbappe hatter

It'll be interesting to see how we set up defensively - Kiwior was fine re Everton but obvs Real is another matter.

That said given the paucity of options and White not being fully fit I think I'd go for the following:

He'll start Saka I'm sure, so I'm not even going to bother to suggest otherwise.

Raya
Timber Saliba Kiwior MLS
Partey
Ode Rice
Saka Merino Martinelli

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Quick question, I wasn't to sure but who started as our CF on Saturday.....was it Trossard or Merino? And if it was Trossard does that mean Arteta is thinking of playing him in that role against Real?

[HCZ_Reborn]

Quick question, I wasn't to sure but who started as our CF on Saturday.....was it Trossard or Merino? And if it was Trossard does that mean Arteta is thinking of playing him in that role against Real?

It appeared to be, I’d have personally shifted him and Sterling around but he scored and Sterling was predictably useless so there we go

[Mac76]

It appeared to be, I’d have personally shifted him and Sterling around but he scored and Sterling was predictably useless so there we go

Useless apart from providing the good assist to Trossard :haha:

[HCZ_Reborn]

Useless apart from providing the good assist to Trossard :haha:

He found Trossard who was in space to his left because he didn’t have the legs to take the ball any further himself

And constantly throughout the game lacked the ability to beat his man

[dazthegooner]

Just seen an article asking why Raheem Sterling wasn't included in Arsenal's training session for the Madrid game (asking was he injured and will he be in the squad for the match) erm there's a very good reason for this he is SUSPENDED... https://tbrfootball.com/exceptional-arsenal-player-was-nowhere-to-be-seen-in-training-ahead-of-real-madrid-clash/

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Just seen an article asking why Raheem Sterling wasn't included in Arsenal's training session for the Madrid game (asking was he injured and will he be in the squad for the match) erm there's a very good reason for this he is SUSPENDED... https://tbrfootball.com/exceptional-arsenal-player-was-nowhere-to-be-seen-in-training-ahead-of-real-madrid-clash/

The article also talks about starting Trossard ahead of Merino and pointing out this makes our front 3 more interchangeable, something I hadn't considered.

The problem is we've done this in the past and if IIRC that interchangeable just means no one is ever in the box when we play balls in there.

[HCZ_Reborn]

I wouldn’t play Merino or Trossard up front both are non starters.

I’d play Nwaneri up front or failing that Saka

[HCZ_Reborn]

https://x.com/footballontnt/status/1909259368442495237?s=46&t=n1tnxEg6k_DvSqUkaQFrjw

I have to say if everyone was fit, there’s only three Real Madrid players that I’d definitely pick over Arsenal players

Raya or Courtois - Raya

White or Carvajal - White

Gabriel or Rudiger - Gabriel

Saliba or Alaba - Saliba

Timber or Mendy - Not a lot in it but Timber

Partey or Modric - Partey, Modric is 40 isn’t he?

Rice or Valverde - Not great deal in it again but Rice


Odegaard or Bellingham - Both been in poor form but I’d pick Bellingham


Saka or Rodrygo - Saka are you kidding me


Mbappe or Havertz - Obvs Mbappe


Martinelli or Vini jr - Vini Jnr

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

I wouldn’t play Merino or Trossard up front both are non starters.

I’d play Nwaneri up front or failing that Saka

Arteta won't start Nwaneri in this game, that's almost a given. If he does play, it'll likely only be as a sub for Saka if he gets tired. Though its more likely Arteta will play another DM there to suffocate the game if we happen to be ahead.

As for who should play as our forward today, I'm still not really sure.

In the short time we've had Merino, he does seem to be a big game player, I appreciate that about him. As for Trossard, he is definitely the more skillful and a better attacking threat on his day. But like I've said recently, his attitude leaves much to be desired and I can't call him a big game player either.

I am leaning towards starting Merino as CF ....Martinelli and Trossard can battle it off for the spot on the left.

[Marc Overmars]

The tricky thing about Real Madrid is that I don’t think it really matters how you set up because they’re the most adaptable team in the world in how they seem to just absorb and cope with whatever they come up against.

For what it’s worth I would start Merino just because I feel we need someone to occupy their centre backs. Saka and Martinelli either side of him should be able to create space to play. If things aren’t working then get Trossard on early in the second half.

[Letters]

Mbappe or Havertz - Obvs Mbappe
Martinelli or Vini jr - Vini Jnr
:lol:

Ya think?

[HCZ_Reborn]

Moving on

These were the lineups 19 years ago for the first leg in the Bernabeu

Real Madrid

Casillas, Cicinho, Ramos, Woodgate, R Carlos, Gravesen, Zidane, Guti, Beckham, Robinho, Ronaldo


Arsenal

Lehmann, Eboue, K Toure, Senderos, Flamini, Gilberto, Fabregas, Hleb, Ljungberg, Reyes, Henry



We picked the same lineup for the return leg at Highbury but Real Madrid made three changes - Salgado for Cicinho, Raul for Robinho and Raul Bravo for woodgate

[Marc Overmars]

Team to play Real Madrid: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Merino.
Subs: Neto, Setford, Tierney, White, Zinchenko, Trossard, Jorginho, Butler-Oyedeji, Gower, Nwaneri.

Kiwior. :rose:

[HCZ_Reborn]

Team to play Real Madrid: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Merino.
Subs: Neto, Setford, Tierney, White, Zinchenko, Trossard, Jorginho, Butler-Oyedeji, Gower, Nwaneri.

Once again not impressed with the lineup. Kiwior nor Merino should be playing in my view

[HCZ_Reborn]

Our previous outings against Spanish opposition


1999/00 Barcelona (A) - D 1-1
1999/00 Barcelona (H) - L 2-4
2000/01 Valencia (H) - W 2-1
2000/01 Valencia (A) - L 0-1
2001/02 Real Mallorca (A) - L 0-1
2001/02 Real Mallorca (H) - W 3-1
2001/02 Deportivo (A) - L 0-2
2001/02 Deportivo (H) - L 0-2
2002/03 Valencia (H) - D 0-0
2002/03 Valencia (A) - L 1-2
2003/04 Celta Vigo (A) - W 3-2
2003/04 Celta Vigo (H) - W 2-0
2005/06 Real Madrid (A) - W 1-0
2005/06 Real Madrid (H) - D 0-0
2005/06 Villarreal (H) - W 1-0
2005/06 Villarreal (A) - D 0-0
2005/06 Barcelona (N) - L 1-2
2007/08 Sevilla (H) - W 3-0
2007/08 Sevilla (A) - L 1-3
2008/09 Villarreal (A) - D 1-1
2008/09 Villarreal (H) - W 3-0
2009/10 Barcelona (H) - D 2-2
2009/10 Barcelona (A) - L 1-4
2010/11 Barcelona (H) - W 2-1
2010/11 Barcelona (A) - L 1-3
2015/16 Barcelona (H) - L 0-2
2015/16 Barcelona (A) - L 1-3
2023/24 Sevilla (A) - W 2-1
2023/24 Sevilla (H) - W 2-0
2024/25 Girona (A) - W 2-1

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Team to play Real Madrid: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Merino.
Subs: Neto, Setford, Tierney, White, Zinchenko, Trossard, Jorginho, Butler-Oyedeji, Gower, Nwaneri.

Kiwior. :rose:

Real Madrid: Courtois, Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba, Modric, Camavinga, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
Subs: Gonzalez, Mestre, Guler, Endrick, Lucas V, Vallejo, Fran Garcia, Brahim, Gonzalo, Jacobo, Chema, Lorenzo.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

As much as I obviously wouldn't want you to win it, anyone to beat Madrid.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Voulez Vous :bow:

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Jesus Christ did Fabregas really say he was playing 20 years ago? :sick:

[Marc Overmars]

Couple of sloppy moments already. :sick:

Composure lads, please.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Partey shot, saved.

[Letters]

Why would they even check that?
Absolutely no way that’s ever a pel :doh:

[Letters]

Couple of sloppy moments already. :sick:

Composure lads, please.

A couple but overall we’re doing pretty well so far.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Apart from Saka in the first five-ten minutes, nothing massively stands out as really sloppy

We’ve been good so far at getting back into position when we do lose possession

[HCZ_Reborn]

That said Saliba was bloody sloppy there

[Letters]

Bloody hell :sick:

[Letters]

Mbappe :lol:
What a clogger

[Marc Overmars]

This is starting to look a bit ominous.

[Letters]

What a ball by Saka. No one throws themselves at it

[Letters]

That was better!
Pretty good double save from the Real ‘keeper

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Had chances, not taken them.

We go again next season.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Basically story of the season, so far….lacking a striker

Couple of nail biting moments from sloppy play but think on whole we’ve played well.

[Letters]

Yeah, pretty happy with that half. We don't have a proper striker but that isn't news.

[Marc Overmars]

Played ok, need more up front but that’s the story of our lives.

Can easily see us being caught out on a transition. If not that then someone will make a mistake and it will be curtains. Already seen some players mistime a bounce and slip over as well.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Had chances, not taken them.

We go again next season.

:haha: ....the game isn't even over yet

[HCZ_Reborn]

I’m not 100% sure, but I think Camavinga might be a massive cunt

[HCZ_Reborn]

Rice!!!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

RICE!!!!

[Letters]

HOLY SHIT!!!!

[Letters]

I’m not 100% sure, but I think Camavinga might be a massive cunt

:haha:

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Wasn't bad, that

[McNamara That Ghost...]

How is it not 2-0

[Letters]

Bollox! How is it not 2?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Another one off the line

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

@HCZ

Would you still take Raya over Courtois ??

[HCZ_Reborn]

RICE!!!!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

RICE!!!! Fuck me

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Ah yes the Real Madrid goal line forcefield in full effect again

Jesus fucking Christ! :haha:

[Letters]

:wacko:

WTF?!

RICE!!!!!

[HCZ_Reborn]

@HCZ

Would you still take Raya over Courtois ??

In fairness that was a close one for me, and it was no reflection on Courtois

[Letters]

RICE!!!! Fuck me

I might, you know

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

RICE RICE BABY

[Marc Overmars]

Fucking hell

I’m a little bit speechless

[Letters]

Literally no idea what's going on.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Merino!!!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

MERINO!!!!

[Letters]

What the utter fuck?!

MERINO!!!

[Marc Overmars]

This is fucking mental.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

https://frinkiac.com/video/S08E03/oeXPOWNTbBfR8LMm7_nPxwc8l-Y=.gif

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

In fairness that was a close one for me, and it was no reflection on Courtois

Well it seems you might have a point as he looks shell shocked ATM .

[Letters]

"Are you Tottenham in disguise?" :haha:

[dazthegooner]

Before tonight Rice had never scored from a direct free kick :yikes:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Camavinga sent off!!!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid, FT!!!

Holy fucking shit.

Hold me.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Before tonight Rice had never scored from a direct free kick :yikes:

We hadn’t scored from a direct free kick in three and a half years

[Marc Overmars]

Unbelievable win and performance.

[HCZ_Reborn]

Camavinga sent off!!!

Yeah now I’m sure he is a massive cunt

Laughing my arse off, couldn’t happen to a nicer guy

[dazthegooner]

We hadn’t scored from a direct free kick in three and a half years

I have a feeling Rice maybe taking a few more hopefully no more Odegaard slamming the ball into the wall.

[Letters]

We hadn’t scored from a direct free kick in three and a half years

Like buses.

Amazing.

[Letters]

I have a feeling Rice maybe taking a few more hopefully no more Odegaard slamming the ball into the wall.

It'll be Rice doing it instead.

[dazthegooner]

It'll be Rice doing it instead.

You had to spoil the moment didn't you? ;)

[GP]

Enjoyed that

[Mac76]

:haha: ....the game isn't even over yet

:gp:

Great game, intense atmosphere (their fans were poor though) Got to say Arteta got the right starting limeup (exactly as I'd suggested :bow:) and the subs were fine too. Rice FKs unreal - lots more of that please

Now let's keep it tight at the Bernebau and get through

[HCZ_Reborn]

In regards to Kiwior and Merino, neither of who I wanted to see start last night…I was pleasantly surprised by both

Whilst in the first half it did look like the lack of a natural striker was all too evident, Merino played in the second half like a forward and not just a forward but a confident one too

Kiwior? You wouldn’t think he’s hardly played this season. Never quite worked for him two years ago when he played on the right side of defence or a season ago at left back but as the left sided centre half he just slotted in perfectly and seemed if anything more confident than Saliba

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

:gp:

Great game, intense atmosphere (their fans were poor though) Got to say Arteta got the right starting limeup (exactly as I'd suggested :bow:) and the subs were fine too. Rice FKs unreal - lots more of that please

Now let's keep it tight at the Bernebau and get through

It's not like I was confident we' d win either, it was just funny how fast Maccy had thrown in the towel.

TBH it was really a remarkable 2nd half display which I doubt anyone could have foreseen, especially as the 1st half was almost 50- 50.