UCL RESULTS – MATCHDAY 7

GUNNERS GUN DOWN THE GALACTICO’S THANKS TO A SCINTILLATING GOAL FROM SKIPPER THIERRY HENRY.

Arsene Wenger so hoping for a spectacular performance from his captain Henry and he got just that. Arsenal who were totally written off in this match to even score did the unthinkable as they beat the 9 time European champs 1 – 0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Arsenal made the better start, putting together some sweet passing moves and they could have taken the lead in the very 1^st minute but Casillias saved Reyes’ shot. The first half clearly belonged to Arsenal but both the teams failed to score. Real suffered an early set back as full back Jonathan Woodgate pulled his hamstring and couldn’t play any further part in the match. He was substituted by Mejia a young, inexperienced full back. The Real back four weren’t able to keep Henry quiet as Arsenal got chance after chance in the 1^st half. Thierry Henry got the half’s best chance as his header just missed the right post. Jens Lehmann was just a spectator in the first half as he hardly had to do anything in the match. Arsenal should have taken the lead in the first half itself but at half time the Gunners were still on the hunt for the opener. Real Madrid were playing some really ordinary football as they gave the ball away to Arsenal cheaply in countless occasions.

But 90 seconds into the second half and Real find themselves 1 – 0 down thanks to a superb solo effort from Thierry Henry. He cut past 4 Madrid players and slotted the ball home with the coolest of finishes. Henry’s 4^th goal in the Champions league and none could have been more important than this one. Real manager Juan Lopez Caro was furious with his side’s performance and immediately brought on Raul who replaced Robinho. Many questions were asked about this move as Robinho was clearly playing better than Brazilian teammate Ronaldo but Ronaldo was still given the full 90 minutes. From then on Arsenal just played for time and were totally on the defensive mode. Madrid definitely looked the weaker team and they were against an Arsenal side who were playing the best football they have played in the whole season. Arsene Wenger’s side had done their homework and capitalized on Real’s mistakes. They were very dangerous on the break and they deservingly took home the victory. Late in the second Robert Pires had a nice chance but the angle proving to be too tight as Casillias made an easy save. Out of desperation Real Madrid put in some harsh tackles but even then they had to go back empty handed. Full time and Arsenal getting a priceless away victory. The win puts Arsenal in the driving seat as the two sides meet again in 15 days at Highbury.

Though Arsenal won the game one would have thought they should have won it more convincingly but nevertheless they got what they wanted and now they are looking good to advance to the Quarter-final stage of the competition. Real Madrid have to now score at Highbury if they want to advance to the next round.