What happened to the Arsenal team that defeated Real Madrid in the Bernabeu?

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in February 2006 was one of the Gunners’ best nights in their history.

The club’s first-ever meeting was enough for Thierry Henry, the only goal to give the people of North London the slightest advantage of entering Highbury’s second round.

Arsene Wenger’s team took the big Champions League upset with David Beckham, Zineinine Zidane and Ronaldo, with goalless draws to make the quarterfinals.

19 years later, Arsenal heads back to the Santiago Bernabeu. This time, we hope to secure a semi-final berth after a 3-0 victory at Emirates Stadium.

But what came from the side that beat Real Madrid for nearly 20 years? Here we look back and remember the players who started that special night.

1

Jens Lehmann

Goalkeeper

German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann made history in the 2005/06 Champions League, helping gunners record 10 consecutive clean sheets in the competition.

Madrid’s shutout was clean sheet number 5, and Lehman miraculously repeated the feat in Game 2 thanks to a sensational save to deny Raul.

Since resigning, Invincible has coached roles at Arsenal and Augsburg and is now considered one of the managers of the Baller League UK.

2

Emmanuel Ebou

Right back

The 2005/06 campaign saw Emmanuel Ebouw’s breakthrough at Arsenal, with Lauren’s fullback standing in Cameroon’s final season at the club.

Eboue was able to keep Robinho quiet at the Bernabéu, and the Brazilians took off an hour later for the Spanish legend Raul.

The Koiborian has maintained a low profile since his retirement and has previously opened up to his mental health struggle following the end of his playing career, but he is an N5 cult hero.

3

Philip Trail

Center back

Philip Senderos was asked to represent Sol Campbell while the British ace was out.

Senderos was 21 years old for a long time at the first leg, keeping Ronaldo at 180 minutes.

After another former player left the spotlight and retired, Senderos retired in 2019 after playing for Chiasso on the second tier side of the Swiss side.

4

Round Two

Center back

Colo Tule was part of an invincible team before moving to Manchester City in 2009.

He marshalled the back four alongside Senderos, one of the heroes of Champions Ree Gran in 2006, and won the final winner in the semi-finals against Villarreal.

Toule moved to coaching after retirement and most recently as manager of Wigan Athletics, but he never won any of his games.

5

Matthew Flamini

Left back

Matthew Framini was Arsenal’s makeshift left-back through a Champions League run that is unavailable to both Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy.

The Frenchman played every minute from Match Day 2 to the second leg of the quarterfinals against Juventus, securing nine clean sheets in 10 games.

A successful entrepreneur, Flamini is a partner at GF Biochemicals and is looking to provide sustainable solutions for petroleum-based products that are harmful to the environment.

6

Freddie Lumberg

Right midfield

Freddie Lumberg is an Arsenal hero and another invincible team stuck long enough to defeat Madrid in his own backyard.

As Arsenal got off to a threatening start in Spain, the Swedes had the opportunity to win themselves before Henry’s opener.

Ljungberg is an Arsenal youth team coach and is easily seen as interim manager of the Gunners following Unai Emery’s removal, along with Jens Lehmann of the Baller League, who manages N5 FC.

7

Alexander Fulve

Center Midfield

Alexander Hleb was a January signature from VFB Stuttgart and appeared to be a wise addition to the side, based on his first impression.

His link-up play set several opportunities that night at the Bernabeu and was a key player for the gunners until he left for Barcelona in 2008.

The Belarusian, now 43, appears to have been completely away from football since retiring in 2019.

8

Gilbert Silva

Center Midfield

Gilbert Silva was Patrick Vieira, a major mid-general of Arsenal, and was an experienced head in the middle of the park before leaving North London in 2008.

Another invincible star, Gilbert won the league and FA Cup during his time at Arsenal.

The Brazilian, who retired in 2015, is an athlete’s mentor and public speaker, according to the X Account. He is also the club ambassador for the gunners.

9

CESC Fabregas

Center Midfield

CESC Fabregas was like a groundbreaking campaign at Arsenal, as it emerged from the shadows of the late Patrick Vieira.

In the 16th round against Madrid, Fabregas gave Arsenal the lead in the Spanish capital with a very important assist from Thierry Henry.

Former Gunners captain Fabregas is currently the Italian side’s manager of Como and will be ensuring the safety of Serie A following last year’s promotion.

10

Jose Antonio Reyes

Left midfield

Jose Antonio Reyes became an instant hero after arriving at Arsenal in January 2004, and was an integral part of the team in his first 18 months with the club.

His Gunners career then became Peter, but Reyes played in all bars in one of Arsenal’s matches in the Champions League and began his two feet with Madrid.

Reyes sadly passed away in 2019, but he is still lovingly remembered by Arsenal followers as one of their invincible heroes.

11

Thierry Henry

Center Forward

Thierry Henry skippered Arsenal to their biggest European away victory in the masterclass at the Bernabéu.

Not only did the French score a victory goal, but the strikers agonized over the real defense and skillfully ran the clock through the frustration of the home.

Henry is currently a veteran critic and is perhaps more famous for his role in CBS Sports alongside Jamie Carrager, Mika Richards and presenter Kate Scott.