Thierry Henry Warns Arsenal Ahead of Real Madrid Clash: “Belief …”
he French legend praises Madrid’s unmatched winning mentality and urges Arsenal to face them with conviction — or not at all.
Thierry Henry may have worn the colors of Barcelona, but his admiration for Real Madrid is no secret. As a Champions League pundit in recent years, he has witnessed first-hand the Spanish giant’s relentless dominance in Europe — a dominance he calls “impressive” and dangerously normalized.
Speaking on CBS Sports, Henry offered a frank message to Arsenal, his former club, ahead of their upcoming Champions League showdown with Madrid:
“How should Arsenal approach the game against Real Madrid? By believing they can win. I’ve been there — in 2006, with a team that had a bit less talent. When we drew with Madrid in the first leg, everyone laughed, especially in Spain.”
He continued with a strong warning:
“If you show up thinking you can’t beat Real Madrid — that they’re a better team with a better squad, 15 Champions Leagues, and you have none — you might as well not show up.”
Belief Above All
Henry emphasized that doubt is the real danger:
“If you go into the match wondering what might happen… you shouldn’t even play. I’ve seen Greece win the Euros, Leicester win the Premier League — it’s all about belief. Will it happen? That’s another story. Look at Atlético — they played really well, and still it wasn’t enough. City too — many times. And yet, still not enough.”
His words serve as both a reality check and a motivational push. The challenge isn’t just tactical or physical — it’s mental. Facing Madrid requires a level of self-confidence and determination that goes beyond the ordinary.
Madrid’s Eyes on the 16th
Real Madrid, meanwhile, is laser-focused on adding a 16th Champions League trophy to their historic collection. Now in the quarterfinals, they’re set to face Arsenal, and potentially PSG or Aston Villa on the road to the final.
Despite being underestimated by some pundits this season, Madrid remains a threat — one that thrives in knockout football, no matter the opponent.
They’re not just chasing history — they’re used to making it. And unless Arsenal shows up with the belief Henry speaks of, they might find themselves just another name in Madrid’s long list of victims.
