UCL: Arsenal v Real Madrid
Tue, Apr 08
|Dillon's
Time & Location
Apr 08, 2025, 3:00 PM EDT
Dillon's, 955 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Event Details
Champions League action returns to N5 on Tuesday evening as Arsenal host the first leg of a quarter-final against the defending holders, Real Madrid. The last time the two sides faced each other was in 2006, when Arsenal became the only English side up to that time to win at the Bernabeu. They advanced 1-0 over two legs following a historic run and finish from Thierry Henry. The Galacticos fielded a side that night with Beckham, Ronaldo, Raul, and Zidane. Arsenal kept two clean sheets with Eboue-Senderos-Toure-Flamini as their back four. Why bring this up? Because Arsenal have done this before in similar circumstances.
With the league campaign effectively over, the CL is the last chance the Gunners have at a trophy. Arteta will rely on Mikel Merino to lead his line. Far from the days of Henry, but the Spaniard has taken to a new position well. Saka's return is a boost, but the loss of Gabriel in the heart of his defence could be massive. One player who will need to be at his best is former Madrid man Martin Ødegaard. The goals have dried up for the Norwegian, and he knows he will need to be at his best for his side to have a chance. Let's hope he plays with a point to prove.
Despite their perennial favorite status in this competition, Madrid have wobbled recently in La Liga including a 2-1 loss to Valencia on Saturday. Nevertheless, Los Blancos and their fearsome front four need no preview: Mbappe, Vini, Rodrygo, and Bellingham are a world-class unit. At the back though, they are far from convincing. Both sides have similar weaknesses in this regard on the left side of their defense, with Arsenal turning to Jacob Kiwior, and Madrid enlisting youngster Fran Garcia. All bets would be on Madrid, and they should be with their pedigree– this is very much their competition.
Will history repeat itself? One thing is for sure: Arteta will believe, his squad will believe, and we fans have to believe. Join us on Tuesday afternoon at Dillon's as the Gunners continue their march in Europe.
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UTA
KEEP THE FAITH ✊