Arsenal vs Real Madrid complete head-to-head record

Arsenal and Real Madrid rank among two of the most supported clubs in the world. They're grand institutions boasting global influence, yet head-to-head duels have been scarce.

And it's not like the two teams having given themselves the best possible chance of facing off under the brightest lights.

Madrid are the Champions League's perennial victors. The 15-time winners have long been synonymous with Europe's grandest prize, while Arsenal, for much of the 21st century, have been almost ubiquitous participants.

Draw-makers, however, have barely allowed the two clubs to get to know one another. Here's an overview of Arsenal's head-to-head history with Real Madrid.

Arsenal vs Real Madrid head-to-head history

We're only discussing competitive meetings here. Some of you might remember the pre-season friendly from 2019 which ended 2-2 in Washington DC before the Spaniard claimed a forgettable triumph on penalties.

On the big stage, Arsenal and Real Madrid have met just twice. The two sides were finally drawn against one another in the last 16 of the 2005/06 Champions League.

Arsene Wenger's side cruised through a rather tame group unbeaten, topping it in the process, while Madrid finished behind Lyon during their apex years in Group F. Despite finishing runners-up, Madrid were favourites for their maiden tussle with the north Londoners, with the first leg staged at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The hosts were not in the midst of a vintage campaign, but this was a team still laden with superstars amid their 'galactico' era. Iker Casillas, Roberto Carlos, a young Sergio Ramos, David Beckham, Guti, Zinedine Zidane, Robinho, and Ronaldo all started the first leg. The visitors, meanwhile, put out a defensive line containing Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure, Phillipe Senderos, and Mathieu Flamini.

Arsenal's defence read like a fever dream, but they were emboldened by the magic of Thierry Henry up top. The all-time Gunner great was ably supported by a burgeoning Cesc Fabregas, the willing Freddie Ljungberg, and silky-as-ever Alexander Hleb but this contest has been etched in perpetual Gooner consciousness thanks to Henry's brilliance and his stunning solo goal which decided the tie.

Their 1-0 victory at the Bernabeu was historic, allowing Wenger's side to fight tooth and nail for a goalless stalemate at Highbury which sent them into the quarter-finals on their way to Paris. Both Casillas and Jens Lehmann produced stunning saves in the return leg, and the latter played a huge role in Arsenal's extensive Champions League campaign that season.

All Arsenal vs Real Madrid games

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