Arsenal’s 5 unforgettable moments in the Champions League

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‌Top of the league Arsenal are looking to take home the Premier League for the first time since the 03/04 season. Many fans are also quite excited that their team is likely to be back in the Champions League next season. Since Arsenal’s rebranding in the 92/93 season, they have qualified for the Champions League 19 times but have yet to win the trophy. Even so, they’ve provided us with many unforgettable moments.

Arsenal’s win over Real at Bernabeu

‌In the 05/06 season, Arsenal faced off against the Galacticos of Real Madrid in the round of 16. Many pundits expected this Arsenal side to be bowled over at the Bernabeu by the likes of Ronaldo, Zidane, and Beckham, but it was the North London side that came out on top. A mazy run and cool finish from Thierry Henry gave his team a 1-0 lead to take into the second leg.

Arsenal’s win over Inter Milan

‌After being beaten 3-0 at home in the group’s first game in the 03/04 season, only a few people thought Arsenal had a hope of getting a result against Italian giants Inter Milan. However, they came out attacking and managed to secure a 5-1 win for the Gunners. Goals from Henry (x2), Ljunberg, Edu, and Pires gave Arsenal the famous 5-1 win at the San Siro, which helped them top the group.

Arsenal’s win over Juventus

‌Arsenal didn’t have it easy in the 05/06 season; after dispatching Real Madrid, they were drawn against reigning Italian champions Juventus in the quarter-finals. The first leg at Highbury is famous for the total Arsenal domination. They shut out Juventus and won the game 2-0 thanks to goals from Henry and Fabregas. Mainly due to frustration, Juventus players Camoranesi and Zebina were also both sent off in the last few minutes!

Arsenal’s historic win over AC Milan

‌Arsenal have a habit of coming up against Italian sides in the Champions League. In the 07/08 season, Arsenal faced reigning champions AC Milan in the round of sixteen. After a tense 0-0 draw at Highbury, Arsenal needed to win at the San Siro to progress in the competition. It looked like it would go all the way to extra time, but late goals from Fabregas and Adebayor gave Arsenal a famous win and put them through to the quarter-finals.

Arsenal’s win over Barcelona

‌In their five previous meetings with Barcelona, Arsenal had failed to win a game, most famously coming unstuck against the Spanish giants in the 05/06 final. They’d also lost 6-3 in the quarter-finals four years later, but in the round of 16 in the 10/11 season, Arsenal had their revenge. Despite going a goal down, late goals from Van Persie and Arshavin gave Arsenal their first-ever win against one of the favourites for the tournament.

Conclusion

‌While Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League, many think Manchester City may beat them to the title. However, they’re almost certain to qualify for the Champions League this season, having missed out on previous years. The Champions League is the most prestigous competition in European football. Winning it is considered to be the biggest football achievment at club level.

Winning the Champions League would be incredible moment for any club. But apart from all the victories, losses, trophies won and historical moments that come with the sport, the fan base and community is what makes football, football. Generally we see this in the stadium, but much of it is all around us on a daily basis. Whether it’s on social media, online forums, video games like Fifa, or even in casino games like the Football Champions Cup slot, we know that the sports fanbase and community is present everywhere, in every industry. This is what makes football one of the most popular sports in the world, it’s more than just a game.

What’s also so special about the football community is the sports ability to bring people together, thick and thin. The Gunners are well-known for this, going through multiple rough patches throughout their course, but still maintaining their fanbase.

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