When Trent Alexander-Arnold was first considering a move to Real Madrid, which was some time ago now, a particular message was relayed. It was the same as that which Jude Bellingham received when given a tour of the Bernabeu by head of recruitment Juni Calafat. You can go to any other club and be a legend, sure. Being a legend at Madrid, however, is like nothing else in football.
Such comments are why the chief executive of a major rival once commented, “the arrogance is astounding”.
Madrid don't care about such statements, though, since they don’t really care what anyone else thinks. “We are Madrid,” as the declarative statement from their senior executives and cigar-puffing wealthier fans goes. They feel above it all, and radiate that. It is this attitude - this “aura”, as it’s so often described - that Arsenal are going to have to overcome more than anything else in this Champions League quarter-final.
Mikel Arteta’s side might at least feel that less than others, since the two clubs have only met once, in the 2005-06 last-16. Arsenal are one of just seven clubs to have played Madrid in Europe and never been eliminated by them, and one of just three in the European Cup or Champions League. The other two there are Monaco and Hamburg.
Arteta’s staff have duly focused more on Madrid’s flaws and shortcomings, to try and give his team a roadmap to victory they can visualise. That is in part to make a club often cast as otherworldly seem human, and mortal. They can be defeated in this competition.
And yet Arsenal may still feel the great weight of Madrid, even before the game. There has long been talk about interest in William Saliba, and a media campaign has already started around Martin Zubimendi. Although Arsenal remain confident they have a deal in place for the Real Sociedad midfielder, Madrid have made it known they want him.
They’ve also made it ...
