Currently sitting 2nd in the Premier League, Arsenal is dealing with a string of injury woes. Gabriel Jesus is out with an ACL injury, while Gabriel Magalhães limped off during Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham, adding to Mikel Arteta’s concerns. However, Saka’s return could not have come at a better time as the Gunners prepare for their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League quarter-final showdown against Real Madrid next week.
Real Madrid: Masters of the UCL, But Questions Linger
While Arsenal has never lifted the prestigious Champions League trophy, their upcoming opponents, Real Madrid, are the undisputed kings of the competition with 15 titles to their name. Yet, recent performances suggest they may not be invincible. In their latest Copa del Rey clash against Real Sociedad, Los Blancos barely advanced on aggregate after conceding four goals—raising questions about their defensive solidity.
One of the biggest talking points from that game was David Alaba’s defensive struggles. The Austrian international practically gifted Sociedad three goals, a worrying sign considering he is the highest-paid player in Real Madrid’s squad. Despite these vulnerabilities, history has shown that Real Madrid doesn’t need to dominate a game to win. Time and time again, they have found ways to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, often by the narrowest of margins.
Can Arsenal Overcome the Football Gods?
Real Madrid’s ability to escape defeat has often been attributed to what some call “the favor of the football gods.” Even when they seem on the brink of elimination, they find a way to prevail—except, of course, when Barcelona decides to humble them at crucial moments.
But with Saka back in Arsenal’s ranks, could there be a shift in the tides? The Gunners have shown resilience this season, and if they can exploit Real Madrid’s defensive weaknesses, they might just pull off a historic upset. The stage is set for an electrifying encounter—can Arsenal defy the odds and take down the reigning kings of Europe?
