Thierry Henry Reveals What Arsenal Must Do to Defeat Real Madrid in Champions League match

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes the Gunners have what it takes to defeat Real Madrid in their upcoming Champions League quarterfinal—if they believe in themselves. The North London club secured their place in the last eight after a Big 9-3 aggregate win over PSV Eindhoven, but they now face one of the toughest challenges in European football: Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.

Henry, who played a key role in Arsenal’s last knockout victory over Madrid in 2006, insists that belief will be crucial if Mikel Arteta’s side hopes to eliminate the Spanish giants.

Speaking about Arsenal’s chances, Henry emphasized the importance of mindset. “I’ve seen Greece win the Euros, I’ve seen Leicester win the league—just believe that you can. That’s what I’m saying,” Henry said, as quoted by The Metro.

However, he also acknowledged the challenge ahead. “Are you going to do it? That’s a different ball game. Look at how Atletico Madrid played them—they were brilliant many times, but it still wasn’t enough. I’ve seen Manchester City play amazing football against them, and still, it wasn’t enough.”

Henry stressed that Arsenal must be flawless over both legs if they want to progress. “If you go there without the belief that you can win, stay at home. You need to be perfect from the very first whistle if you want to knock out Real Madrid. Even if you are perfect, it still might not be enough.”

Arsenal have been in excellent form in the Champions League this season, winning six of their eight group-stage games and scoring 25 goals in 10 matches. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have netted 28 times in 12 European games, showing their attacking threat.

Ancelotti’s team have already eliminated Manchester City and Atletico Madrid, proving they remain one of the most dangerous sides in Europe. But if Arsenal can play with confidence, determination, and execute their game plan perfectly, Henry believes they have a real chance of reaching the semifinals.

With just one defeat in their last 10 Champions League games, Arsenal have shown they can compete at this level. However, Real Madrid’s history in the tournament speaks for itself. This quarterfinal will test everything Arteta’s side has built over the past few seasons.

If the Gunners can channel Henry’s fighting spirit from 2006, when his goal at the Santiago Bernabéu helped Arsenal knock out Madrid, they may just pull off one of the biggest wins in their recent history.