Arsenal vs R. Madrid (CL) 3-0

Matchday
,
21

Our competitiveness in this tie rests entirely on the hope of us being this completely different side in Europe to what we’re seeing nearly every week in England. Just like it was in 2006 where we were even worse than we currently are domestically.

Going to dream no matter what state we’re in that’s just the nature of this beautiful fixture. And not to mention there’s fuck all else in our season.

Realistically though the quality just isn’t there at the moment. We should be getting pulverised in multiple key phases if Madrid even show up at 80%. Timing of Gabriel’s injury is a bitter blow but even with him and Saka in full fitness we were still a way short imo. In both legs really.

100 simulations of this tie with the current state of the two teams and squads and I give us maybe 10-15 victories tops and I feel like I’m being quite optimistic there. Just hoping for the magic of 2006.

Anyway that night in Madrid is the greatest European night in my time watching football hands down. Can never forget the feeling.

I want to experience moments like this again on 16th April.

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22

If we had Gabriel I’d have us favourites over the 2 legs.

Without him a lot more concerned, progressing here is going to be down to keeping them out and pinching a couple ourselves.

2 Likes
23

Put Henry in this team and I’d back us. Then reality hit and I realised we have Mikel Merino ohhhhhhhhhh up front.

24

He is just as capable as Henry :henry2: :santi:

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25

If we win the Champions League with him upfront, put his statue next to Thierry’s.

26

Mikel Merino with the winning goal in the 87th minute in the final.

I can see it now, lads.

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27

Harry Kane slumps to the ground as Gabriel celebrates over him.

Inject it.

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28

Real missing some good players tomorrow:

list of cunts
list of cunts412×252 8.43 KB

29

Midfield will be interesting. Valverde, Modric and Bellingham? Guessing Camavinga plays LB.

30

It’s a blow for them to be missing such talented players and Dani Ceballos.

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31

There is some speculation from Spanish media that Alaba will get the nod there. It’d be interesting to see who we opt for between Saka and Nwaneri.

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32

Yes, it will be very interesting how early it gets released that we’ve picked Saka.

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33

He could have a setback or something, but you don’t bring Saka back now and give him warm up minutes unless the plan is for him to start against Madrid.

Nwaneri will get on though.

34

I fear you’re right, done the presser with Mikel too.
I feel it might be too soon. Nice to see him score against Fulham but he didn’t look particularly sharp.

How did he fair against Everton?

35

I’d half stopped watching by the time he came on tbf so can’t really comment.

Ideal world I wouldn’t start him either in the first leg but it’s guaranteed to happen.

36

He was quiet, I recall zero notable moments in which he was involved.

37

https://x.com/theathleticfc/status/1909262114297954725?s=46&t=eJpgg6uHWRsStnASv-OePg

3 Likes
38

Worried.

39

They’ve really dramatised some relatively standard big game activity there.

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40

please don’t get pumped, Arsenal. Would feel much more comfortable with Gabriel, man!