What occurred to the Arsenal crew that beat Actual Madrid within the Bernabeu?

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Actual Madrid in February 2006 stays one of many Gunners’ best nights of their historical past.

Within the golf equipment’ first-ever assembly, a sole Thierry Henry aim was sufficient to provide the north Londoners a slim benefit going into the second leg at Highbury.

Arsene Wenger’s aspect would pull off a giant Champions League upset by holding the likes of David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo to a goalless draw to make the quarter-finals.

19 years on, Arsenal are as soon as once more heading to the Santiago Bernabeu, this time hoping to safe a semi-final berth after a spellbinding 3-0 victory on the Emirates Stadium.

However what has come of the aspect that beat Actual Madrid almost twenty years on? Right here, we glance again and reminisce over the gamers who began on that particular night time.

1

Jens Lehmann

Goalkeeper

German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann made historical past within the 2005/06 Champions League, serving to the Gunners produce a document 10 consecutive clear sheets within the competitors.

The shutout in Madrid was clear sheet quantity 5, and Lehmann miraculously repeated the feat within the second leg, partly due to a sensational save to disclaim Raul.

Since retiring, the Invincible has been in teaching roles at Arsenal and Augsburg, and might presently be seen as one of many managers in Baller League UK.

2

Emmanuel Eboue

Proper-back

The 2005/06 marketing campaign noticed Emmanuel Eboue’s breakthrough at Arsenal, with the full-back standing in for Lauren within the Cameroonian’s ultimate season on the membership.

Eboue managed to maintain Robinho quiet on the Bernabeu, with the Brazilian taken off after an hour for Spain legend Raul.

The Ivorian has stored a low profile since retiring and has beforehand opened up on his psychological well being struggles following the tip of his taking part in profession, whereas he stays a cult hero in N5.

3

Philippe Senderos

Centre-back

Philippe Senderos was referred to as upon to deputise for Sol Campbell whereas the England ace was out.

Senderos had not lengthy turned 21 on the time of the primary leg and stored Ronaldo at bay for 180 minutes, throughout which he was faultless, maybe bar a fluffed clearance within the second leg that would have value Arsenal expensive.

One other former participant to step away from the limelight since retiring, Senderos retired in 2019 after taking part in for second-tier Swiss aspect Chiasso.

4

Kolo Toure

Centre-back

Kolo Toure was part of the Invincibles squad earlier than transferring to Manchester Metropolis in 2009.

He marshalled the again 4 alongside Senderos and was one of many heroes of the 2006 Champions League run, scoring the eventual winner within the semi-final in opposition to Villarreal.

Toure moved into teaching following retirement and was most lately the supervisor of Wigan Athletic, although he didn’t win any of his video games in cost.

5

Mathieu Flamini

Left-back

Mathieu Flamini was Arsenal’s makeshift left-back all through their Champions League run with Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy each unavailable.

The Frenchman performed each minute from matchday 2 till the quarter-final second leg in opposition to Juventus, securing 9 clear sheets in 10 video games.

Now a profitable entrepreneur, Flamini is a accomplice at GF Biochemicals, which appears to supply sustainable options for oil-based merchandise that hurt the setting.

6

Freddie Ljungberg

Proper-midfield

Freddie Ljungberg is an Arsenal hero, and one other of the Invincibles squad who caught round lengthy sufficient to beat Madrid on their very own yard.

The Swede had probabilities to attain himself earlier than Henry’s opener as Arsenal made a threatening begin in Spain, coming closest however for a last-ditch problem from Roberto Carlos.

Ljungberg was an Arsenal youth crew coach and briefly the Gunners’ interim supervisor following Unai Emery’s sacking, and can be seen alongside Jens Lehmann within the Baller League, the place they handle N5 FC.

7

Alexander Hleb

Centre-midfield

Alexander Hleb was a January signing from VfB Stuttgart, and had appeared a shrewd addition to the aspect based mostly on his first impressions.

His link-up play arrange a number of probabilities on that night time within the Bernabeu, and was a key participant for the Gunners till his departure to Barcelona in 2008.

Now 43, the Belarussian has seemingly stepped away from soccer altogether since retiring in 2019.

8

Gilberto Silva

Centre-midfield

Gilberto Silva was Arsenal’s main midfield basic post-Patrick Vieira, and the skilled head in the midst of the park earlier than leaving north London in 2008.

One other Invincibles star, Gilberto gained the league and FA Cup throughout his time at Arsenal.

Having retired in 2015, the Brazilian is an athlete mentor and public speaker, as per his X account. He’s additionally a membership ambassador for the Gunners.

9

Cesc Fabregas

Centre-midfield

Cesc Fabregas was in one thing of a breakthrough marketing campaign at Arsenal as he emerged from the shadow of the departed Patrick Vieira, whose Juventus aspect he helped knock out of the Champions League with a aim within the quarter-final.

Within the spherical of 16 in opposition to Madrid, Fabregas performed the all-important help for Thierry Henry to provide Arsenal the lead within the Spanish capital.

A former Gunners captain, Fabregas is now the supervisor of Italian aspect Como, who’re set to safe security in Serie A following their promotion final yr.

10

Jose Antonio Reyes

Left-midfield

Jose Antonio Reyes grew to become an prompt hero following his arrival at Arsenal in January 2004, and was an integral a part of the crew in his first 18 months on the membership.

His Gunners profession petered out after that, however Reyes did play in all bar one among Arsenal’s matches within the Champions League, beginning each legs in opposition to Madrid.

Reyes sadly handed away in 2019, although he’s nonetheless fondly remembered by the Arsenal devoted as one among their Invincibles heroes.

11

Thierry Henry

Centre-forward

Thierry Henry skippered Arsenal to maybe their biggest European away victory with a masterclass on the Bernabeu.

Not solely did the Frenchman rating the successful aim, however the striker tormented the Actual defence, expertly operating down the clock to the frustrations of the house aspect.

Henry is now a seasoned pundit and is probably extra well-known for his function on CBS Sports activities alongside Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards and presenter Kate Scott.