While Arsenal may have fallen short in the FA Cup and Premier League, they have remained one of the most consistent teams in the 2024-25 season. With a place in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals secured, star forward Bukayo Saka has issued a strong warning to Real Madrid ahead of their upcoming clash.
The highly anticipated showdown on Tuesday pits an attack-driven Real Madrid side, featuring stars like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, against one of the best defenses of the season in Arsenal. When asked whether Real Madrid should be worried about his return to the lineup, Saka didn’t hold back, sending a confident message.
“Yeah, 100%. I think, just looking at our home record in the Champions League itself, I don’t think we’ve lost a game in the last two seasons there, so I’m sure they know that,” Saka said, highlighting the Gunners’ impressive home form in recent years.
“They need to be ready because we’re pretty good at the Emirates,” he concluded, underscoring Arsenal’s solid track record on home turf. Arsenal’s road back to the Champions League after a lengthy absence culminated in their return for the 2022-23 season. Their last defeat at the Emirates came during the 2016-17 season, when they were eliminated by Bayern Munich with a crushing 10-2 aggregate score in the Round of 16.
Since their return to Europe’s elite competition, Arsenal has not lost a single Champions League game at home, turning the Emirates into a fortress. Now, with Saka back from a muscle injury, he’s ready to lead his team in what he called “the most important night wearing an Arsenal shirt.”
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Courtois responds to Saka’s confidence
Saka’s bold statement quickly caught the attention of Real Madrid players, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. After Arsenal’s press conference, Courtois was asked about the Arsenal forward’s comments and offered a direct response.
“I didn’t know they’ve gone two years without losing here. I don’t think it changes much. It’s like saying we’ve won 15 Champions Leagues—it doesn’t change anything. We know they’re strong at home, just like Liverpool were when we beat them 5-2 there,” Courtois said, downplaying the significance of Arsenal’s home record.
The Belgian then acknowledged the challenge Arsenal presents while emphasizing the importance of staying focused: “If we had played here 20 times and never won, then it would be relevant, but that’s not the case. We have to try to win—every game is different. It’s our first time playing here, we know they’re strong, they beat City here. We’ll take that into account.”
