Thierry Henry reveals only way Arsenal can beat Real Madrid in Champions League. – ‘If you arrive in front of Real Madrid… “
Thierry Henry identifies the only way Arsenal can secure a victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Thierry Henry emphasizes that Arsenal must genuinely believe in their ability to defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League if they hope to succeed.
Henry cautioned that there is little value in participating in the quarter-final match against Real Madrid unless the team is confident they can pull off an upset.
The current European champions showcased their resilience by eliminating Atletico Madrid in a tense penalty shootout, despite losing 1-0 in regulation time.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team, aided by VAR, advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will meet Arsenal for the first time in a competitive setting since 2006.
Henry, who was part of the Arsenal squad that defied expectations nearly two decades ago with a stunning solo goal that secured a 1-0 victory at the Bernabeu, recalls that thrilling goalless draw at Highbury which propelled them into a
Once again, Arsenal will enter the matchup as significant underdogs. Henry asserts that even a flawless performance over two legs may not suffice unless Mikel Arteta instills a strong belief in his players that they can compete with Ancelotti’s formidable Champions League-winning team.
When asked about the keys to potentially upsetting the odds, Henry stated: “Believe that you can.”
He reflected on his own experience, noting, “I’ve been in that situation with a team that had slightly less talent. When we drew Real Madrid, everyone laughed, especially in Spain.
If you go into the match thinking you cannot beat Real Madrid, and you believe they are superior—better team, better squad, with 15 titles to our none—then you might as well not play.”
“If your mindset is simply to see what happens against Real Madrid, you might as well not show up.”
I firmly believe that entering a match with the mindset of victory is essential; this is the essence of aspiration and ambition.
I have witnessed Greece triumph in the Euros and Leicester City clinch the league title. The key is to have faith in your capabilities—that’s my message. Whether you can achieve it is a different challenge altogether.
Consider how Atletico Madrid managed to defeat their opponents; they performed exceptionally well on numerous occasions, yet it still fell short.
I’ve observed Manchester City face Real Madrid multiple times, showcasing impressive play, but it wasn’t sufficient.
If you approach the game without the conviction that you can win, you might as well stay home.
We’ve seen teams excel defensively and offensively, but to overcome Real Madrid, you must deliver a flawless performance from the very first whistle.
To eliminate Real Madrid, perfection is required. Even with a perfect game, it may not guarantee success.
Now, it’s up to the team to demonstrate their ability to perform both at home and away, which is a formidable challenge.
While Real Madrid had to exert considerable effort against their local rivals, Arsenal, on the other hand, advanced smoothly after last night’s 2-2 draw with PSV, resulting in a 9-3 aggregate win.
The first priority is to be at your peak for both matches, for every single minute,” Arteta stated when discussing his strategy for the upcoming tie against Real Madrid.
“Do not give anything away, as they will capitalize on it. Today, we learned that lesson with the two goals we conceded, which is significant.
Ultimately, the outcome of the match will hinge on performances in the penalty areas; individual talent and contributions are vital.
Additionally, creating an extraordinary atmosphere when we play at home is essential.”
Arsenal made it to the quarter-finals last season after a 15-year hiatus, only to narrowly lose to Bayern Munich.
When asked about his takeaways from that experience, Arteta responded: “Last year, we faced Bayern, and considering the legacy of both clubs and their consistent presence over the past 20-25 years, we had them under pressure during the home match.
“They managed to recover, and at that moment, we fell short of reaching the final stage.
“I hope we can learn from that and demonstrate that we are stronger now, enabling us to achieve our goals.”
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry emphasizes that for the team to overcome Real Madrid in the upcoming UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, they must possess an unwavering belief in their ability to win. Reflecting on his own experience, Henry recalls the 2005-06 season when Arsenal faced Real Madrid in the Round of 16. Against expectations, Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, with Henry scoring the decisive goal, and held Madrid to a goalless draw at Highbury to advance.
Henry asserts that without genuine belief, even a flawless performance may not suffice against a team of Real Madrid’s caliber. He cites examples of underdog triumphs, such as Greece’s victory in the European Championship and Leicester City’s Premier League title, to illustrate the power of conviction.
Current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for peak performance in both legs of the tie. He acknowledges Real Madrid’s resilience and the importance of maintaining focus, stating, “Do not give anything away, as they will capitalize on it.”
Historically, Real Madrid has struggled against Arsenal, having never secured a victory over the Gunners in official competitions. The upcoming quarter-final marks the first competitive meeting between the two clubs since their 2006 encounter, adding an intriguing narrative to the tie.
As the fixtures approach, Arsenal aims to channel the belief and resilience that have characterized historic underdog successes, striving to replicate past triumphs against the reigning European champions.
