The blight of English clubs have Gunners in their sights

Three goals down, yet Real Madrid’s record against Premier League clubs gives them reason to hope, writes Richard Jolly

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It is Real Madrid against the Premier League. It often is. When Arsenal line up in the Bernabeu this evening, it will be Real’s 22nd game against English opposition since the start of April 2021.

If, for Arsenal, it would be a landmark result to eliminate Real, it has been a milestone of sorts simply to face them. For Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, Real have provided a regular date on the fixture list; perhaps no more for Chelsea, however. They could complete a clean sweep of European trophies this season but Real may never enter the Conference League.

Look at the list of recent Champions League winners and it has been Real or the Premier League. Chelsea in 2021 and City in 2023, Real in 2022 and 2024. An era of sorts may end this year, unless Arsenal maintain the Premier League’s biannual habit of conquering Europe or Real first stage a great comeback and then embark on the familiar pursuit of glory.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta remains wary but not fearful of a Real comeback. “I wouldn’t use that word,” he said yesterday. Respect and admiration for what they’ve done in the competition as a club over the years and the history they have, and the values that they defend is unbelievable.”

He continued: “It is amazing and an inspiration for any coach, any manager, any team. But after that is the competition. It’s what we are going to face tomorrow, an opposition that we know very well, and that we are determined to go out there and try to win the game.”