Where are they currently? The lineups of Arsenal and Real Madrid from The Gunners’ iconic victory at the Bernabeu in the 2006 UEFA Champions League.

Flashback: Henry Burns Ramos, Carlos to Run Down Clock in Famous Arsenal Win Over Madrid

Arsenal’s long-awaited quest for their first UEFA Champions League title faces a daunting challenge in the quarter-finals as they prepare to take on Real Madrid. The La Liga giants, who have lifted the trophy a record 15 times, including last season, will have the advantage of playing the second leg at home. This crucial match can be seen live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Even before the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, injuries, inconsistent form, and the general aura of Real Madrid in the Champions League position Mikel Arteta’s side as firm underdogs in their pursuit of a place in the final four. However, this was also the case when Arsène Wenger led his team to the Bernabéu in the round of 16 back in 2006.

On February 21, Arsenal were expected to be lambs to the Galáctico slaughter, but a resolute defensive display, featuring a makeshift backline, kept the likes of Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, and Ronaldo at bay. At the other end, Thierry Henry showcased his brilliance with a sensational solo goal, sealing a famous 1-0 win to take back to Highbury.

Two weeks later, that stubborn Arsenal defence was at it again, securing safe passage to the next round in an uncharacteristically thrilling 0-0 draw. The victory in Spain remains one of the most memorable moments in Arsenal’s European history, paving the way for wins over Juventus and Villarreal as they reached the final in Paris, only to be defeated by Real’s arch-rivals, Barcelona.

Real Madrid XI

Iker Casillas – Goalkeeper
Real’s number one would go on to make 725 appearances for the club by the time of his departure in 2015, the second most in the club’s history. He lifted a long-awaited third Champions League crown in 2014 before moving to Porto, where he helped the club to the 2018 Primeira Liga title. Casillas suffered a heart attack in 2019, leading to his retirement a year later, and he currently works as a TV pundit in Spain.

Cicinho – Right Back
The Brazilian defender had recently joined the club but suffered an ACL injury at the start of the following season, which ultimately saw him lose his place in the side. A move to AS Roma followed, along with loans to São Paulo and Villarreal, before ending his career with spells at Sport Recife and Sivasspor.

Sergio Ramos – Centre Back
After 16 years and 671 appearances, Ramos left Real Madrid for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. He made an emotional return to his hometown club Sevilla for a season and currently plays for Monterrey. He also starred for Spain’s golden generation, winning two European Championships and a World Cup.

Johnathan Woodgate – Centre Back
Woodgate’s time at Madrid is often remembered for his debut, where he scored an own goal and was sent off. Despite this rocky start, he established himself in the first team, but injuries led to a loan and then a permanent move to Middlesbrough in 2006.

Roberto Carlos – Left Back
Having spent nearly a decade at the club, the explosive Brazilian left for Fenerbahce a year later, followed by spells with Corinthians and Anzhi Makhachkala before retiring. He briefly managed the Russian club on an interim basis before taking charge at Sivasspor and Akhisarspor.

Thomas Gravesen – Centre Midfield
The tenacious Dane spent only a season in Spain, leaving the club after a training ground scrap with Robinho. He moved to Celtic and later returned to Everton on loan before retiring in 2009.

David Beckham – Right Midfield
The England star ended his Madrid career in 2007, moving to LA Galaxy. He captained England at the 2006 World Cup and retired from international football in 2009. Post-playing, Beckham bought a stake in Salford City and now owns MLS side Inter Miami.

Guti – Centre Midfield
A stalwart of Real Madrid, Guti ended a 25-year association with the club in 2010, moving to Besiktas for a year before retiring in 2012. He returned to the Bernabéu as a youth coach and later took on various coaching roles.

Zinedine Zidane – Centre Midfield
This was Zidane’s final season as a player, culminating in a controversial exit from the 2006 World Cup. He returned to Madrid in various roles, eventually becoming head coach and leading the club to three consecutive Champions League titles.

Robinho – Left Wing
Robinho left Madrid for Manchester City in 2008 and later had spells at AC Milan, Guangzhou Evergrande, and others. He is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence after being convicted of rape.

Ronaldo – Striker
Despite scoring 104 goals for Real Madrid, injuries plagued Ronaldo’s career towards the end of his time at the club. He later moved to AC Milan and returned to Brazil before retiring in 2011.

Arsenal XI

Jens Lehmann – Goalkeeper
The German stopper was in the midst of a record-setting run of eight consecutive clean sheets in the competition. He remained with Arsenal until 2008, later returning briefly in 2011 amid a goalkeeping injury crisis.

Emmanuel Eboué – Right Back
The Champions League run helped the Ivorian establish his place in the first team, eventually leaving for Galatasaray in 2011. He attempted a return to the Premier League with Sunderland in 2016 but never played for the club.

Kolo Touré – Centre Back
After his heroics at the Bernabéu, Touré left Arsenal for Manchester City, winning a second Premier League title in 2012. He later joined Liverpool and Celtic before retiring and moving into coaching.

Philippe Senderos – Centre Back
The Swiss defender struggled to secure a first-team place at Arsenal and had brief loan spells before joining Fulham permanently in 2010. He played for Switzerland at three World Cups and became a sporting director after retiring.

Mathieu Flamini – Left Back
Flamini slotted in as a makeshift left back during the run and later became a key player in midfield. He moved to AC Milan in 2008 and returned to Arsenal in 2013 before spells at Crystal Palace and Getafe.

Freddie Ljungberg – Right Midfield
Another of Wenger’s Invincibles, Ljungberg left the Emirates in 2007 for West Ham and later played for several clubs. He returned to Arsenal as an academy coach and briefly took charge as interim boss in 2019.

Alexander Hleb – Left Midfield
The tricky Belarusian winger moved to Barcelona in 2008 but struggled to make an impact. He had a nomadic end to his career, playing for various clubs across Europe.

Gilberto Silva – Centre Midfield
The Brazilian midfielder left Arsenal in 2008 and joined Panathinaikos, helping the club to a title and cup double in 2010. He later returned to Brazil before retiring.

Cesc Fàbregas – Centre Midfield
Fàbregas became Arsenal’s main man in the following years, eventually moving to Barcelona in 2011. He returned to the Premier League with Chelsea, winning two league titles before moving to Monaco.

José Antonio Reyes – Second Striker
The one-time Gunners record signing joined Real on loan and scored decisive goals for the club. Tragically, he was killed in a car accident in 2019.

Thierry Henry – Striker
Henry became Arsenal’s all-time top goalscorer and had a memorable loan return to the club in 2012. He moved into coaching after retiring and recently led the French Olympic football side to the men’s tournament final at Paris 2024.

Manager: Arsène Wenger
Wenger led The Gunners to the final, where they were beaten by Barcelona, and remained at the club until 2018. He now works at FIFA as Chief of Global Football Development.