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Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour believes that his old team can go all the way in this year’s competition… if they can find a way past the 15-time champions
Arsenal are chasing their first ever Champions League trophy, but must pass the competition's most decorated club - Real Madrid
Arsenal are chasing their first ever Champions League trophy, but must pass the competition's most decorated club - Real Madrid
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Image: 2025 UEFA)
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Arsenal are seeking their first-ever Uefa Champions League title.
But they’ll need to defeat Real Madrid – 15-time winners and current champions – in the quarter-final if they are to have any hope of achieving their dream.
Mikel Arteta’s men go into the first-leg fixture at the Emirates Stadium in fine form, however.
They secured six wins from eight in the group stage, finishing third in the new league format and only dropping points against Italian sides Atalanta and Inter Milan. The Gunners then destroyed Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven in the last 16 with a 9-3 aggregate victory.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid struggled in the group phase, only finishing 11th.
It meant a two-leg play-off against Manchester City before a Last 16 clash against local rivals Atletico Madrid, only progressing through a controversial penalty shootout after Julian Alvarez’s effort was ruled out as a double-kick.
Arsenal have won four of their previous five Uefa Champions League matches at Emirates Stadium, while Real’s away record stands at three victories from five games.
And Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes his old side has what it takes to get past the Spanish titans.
“Either Madrid team would be difficult to face, but the glamour tie is most definitely Real Madrid,” he says.
“It’s what you dream of as a boy: facing Real Madrid, the best club who have won the European Cup the most. To play against them at Emirates and then at Bernabeu is something the whole squad will be excited about.
“You have to have no fear. Some of the players in the squad have played in cup finals, the World Cup and Euro finals, so this is the pinnacle of club football.
“Arsenal must defend well. They have the capability of doing so, with a great keeper and top defence – and especially Saliba and Gabriel in the middle. It may come down to set pieces, and Arsenal are strong here.
“Plus, it is important to take a lead of at least one goal to Madrid, if not two. Arsenal will face it tough in Madrid, but in Martinelli and Saka, they can be good on the counter attack. Hopefully Arsenal will have Saka back for this game.
“Raya in goal will have to have a great game, plus, all of the back four for sure. Their wingers are quick, so whether it’s Timber, Lewis-Skelly or Calafiori, all of them will have to be on their guard.”
Arsenal are currently 6/5 with NetBet to beat Real at the Emirates when the team line up for the first leg on Tuesday, 8 April. A draw is 23/10 and Real are 21/10 to triumph.
Arsenal famously beat Real Madrid in 2006’s Champion’s League final, courtesy of an away goal from Thierry Henry at the Bernabeu followed by a 0-0 draw at Highbury.
“For Arsenal fans, to see them face one of the biggest clubs in the world at Emirates Stadium is great,” Parlour says. “The Emirates will have an electric atmosphere.
“Arsenal can win the competition, with PSG or Aston Villa in the semi-final if they progress. PSG are a top side – you saw that against Liverpool across both legs. But in this competition, the further you go, you face the best teams in Europe.
“Arsenal are fully focused on the Champions League and you never know.”
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