Arsenal fans are buzzing after their star midfielder Martin Zubimendi shared his thoughts on the Champions League. In a recent interview, he named three clubs from Spain that Arsenal should watch out for in their quest to win the big trophy. These teams are Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid.
Zubimendi’s Journey to Arsenal
Martin Zubimendi was a key player at Real Sociedad before moving to Arsenal for £60 million in the summer of 2025. Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, wanted him to add strength to the midfield. Zubimendi has settled in well, playing alongside stars like Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. He’s brought calm passing and tough tackling to the team.
Before joining Arsenal, Zubimendi was linked to big clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid. In fact, former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso saw him as a perfect replacement for retired star Toni Kroos. But Arsenal moved fast and got the deal done. Zubimendi has dismissed talk of regretting his choice, saying he’s happy in London. He told reporters that Real Madrid has plenty of good players already and doesn’t need him to fix their midfield issues.
At Arsenal, Zubimendi has faced some ups and downs. The team has dealt with injuries, like to Mikel Merino, which Zubimendi called a “significant damage” to the club. But he’s focused on helping Arsenal win titles, including the Champions League, which they’ve never won before.
🗣️#Arsenal man Martin Zubimendi on this season’s Champions League: “This is about winning it. Qualifying is great, but we’ll see who wins it. It’s true that adapting to the league has been good, but I’ve noticed that the matches are very demanding, that everyone puts you under… pic.twitter.com/pVrYD3Ph2d
— Arsenal News Channel (@Arsenalnewschan) February 5, 2026
The Bombshell Warning: Don’t Underestimate Spanish Sides
In his latest comments, Zubimendi warned his Arsenal teammates not to take Spanish teams lightly. He said, “You should never count out Spanish teams.” Even though some La Liga clubs like Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal are already out, the big ones remain a threat. Zubimendi pointed out three specifically: Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid.
Why these three? Zubimendi explained their strengths based on his experience playing against them in Spain. He knows their styles inside out, having faced them many times with Real Sociedad. His warning is timely as the Champions League knockout stages approach, with Arsenal aiming for a deep run.
Breaking Down the Three Threats
First, Barcelona. Zubimendi noted they reached the semifinals last year, showing their power. Under coach Hansi Flick, Barça has young talents like Lamine Yamal and experienced players like Robert Lewandowski. They’re quick on the counter and strong at home in the Camp Nou.
Next, Real Madrid. Zubimendi simply said, “Real Madrid is Real Madrid.” That’s code for their winning history – they’ve won the Champions League 15 times! With stars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham, they’re always favorites. Their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, knows how to win big games.
Finally, Atlético Madrid. Zubimendi praised their squad depth, saying they have “more than enough players.” Led by Diego Simeone, Atlético is known for tough defense and smart tactics. Players like Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez make them dangerous in any match.
These clubs have already shown form this season, topping their groups or fighting hard in the league phase.
Arsenal’s Champions League Hopes
Arsenal is in a strong position in the Champions League. They’ve won most of their games so far, beating teams like Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan. Mikel Arteta’s side is chasing the Premier League title too, sitting near the top. But Zubimendi’s words remind everyone that Europe is full of surprises.
What This Means for the Future
For fans, it’s exciting. Arsenal is building a team to compete at the highest level. Zubimendi hopes they can “go all the way” this time. With his skills and warnings, they just might. In football, anything can happen. But one thing is clear: Don’t count out the Spanish teams, as Zubimendi says.
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