Arsenal
Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid – Which of these Spanish giants might prove to be tougher for Arsenal in the UCL?
Arsenal are most certainly into the quarterfinals of the ongoing UCL and either Real or Atletico Madrid wait for them
Arsenal put a staggering 7 goals past PSV Eindhoven at the Dutch team’s backyard to almost the seal their spot in the quarterfinals, despite the home leg left to go. After having not scored in 3 of their last 4 games, the onus was on the North London side to return home with at least a draw. However, none expected what the English Premier League side came up with.
The Gunners will now head into the second leg with a whopping 6-goal advantage. An almost certified spot in the next round. However, the tests get tougher after that. In the quarter-finals await either of the Madrid teams. With the first leg ending in favor of home-side Real Madrid (2-1), the tie clearly hangs in the balance.
Here is a look at which Madrid side in the quarter-finals might prove to be a tougher nut to crack for Arsenal.
Real Madrid
It’s been over 19 years since Arsenal last faced Real Madrid in a competitive fixture. The North London side inspired by their talismanic striker, Thierry Henry became the first English side to beat the Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu. In the second leg of their round of 16 fixture of that year’s Champions League, the Gunners held on to their slender 1-0 lead, with the scores level at 0-0 after the final whistle.
Back to 2025, Arsenal and Real Madrid are still two of the best sides in Europe. Although Mikel Arteta’s men have only garnered respect in Europe in recent years, Real Madrid’s status in Europe has pretty much remained the same, in fact they are more looked up currently, winning UCLs for fun.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are more attack oriented, and the opponent teams always have the chance to hit them on the counter. However, their front three is arguably the best attacking force in football. Comprising of Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo, the trio take on defenders for fun. Any lapse of concentration in the defense would certainly put the opponent a goal down in a jiffy.
With Arsenal’s lack of strikers a huge cause of concern, hitting the Spanish giants on the counter might prove to be a tall ask as well. Chances of progressing if Arsenal get Real Madrid – 25%.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid and Arsenal rarely meet on the big stage as well. It’s been almost 7 years since the two teams met. It was in the semi-finals of the 2017/18 Europa League. Arsenal were handed an early advantage in the first leg after Sime Vrsaljko was sent off only in the 10th minute after two yellow cards. Manager Diego Simeone then brought on his masterclass tactics to the fore. It was orchestrated by their then midfielder Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian put in a stunning shift in Vrsaljko’s position to keep the Gunners at bay.
However, Arsenal did find the back of the net through Alexandre Lacazette, but it was canceled out 20 minutes later by Antoine Griezmann. A crucial away goal to get, going into the second leg. The second leg was a typical Simeone schooling, led by Diego Costa. The regular Arsenal tormentor showed off his physical prowess by holding off Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin to put Atleti 1-0 up. The scores stayed the same, and Atleti advanced to the final, which they eventually won.
Fast forward to 2025, Atletico Madrid are still managed by Simeone, and their tactics and gameplay have pretty much remained the same. However, they do attack more often than back in their mid 2010s.
But Arsenal would have more of a chance should they get Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals. With an impressive defense in the form of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, and a rich midfield led by Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, the Gunners could progress if they remain clinical in front of the goal. Chances of progressing if Arsenal get Atletico Madrid – 45%
Arsenal captain Leah Williamson has been announced as a National Year of Reading ambassador following the official launch of the 2026 campaign at Emirates Stadium.
The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson unveiled the Go All In initiative on January 13, positioning reading as a gateway to enhancing passions across all walks of life.
Williamson joined a stellar lineup of ambassadors including author Julia Donaldson, illustrator Axel Scheffler, poet Jackie Kay, and several other prominent figures from literature and public life. The event marked a significant moment for literacy promotion in the country, with the campaign centred on the message that reading can deepen enjoyment of whatever people already love.
A Message From the Pitch
Speaking at the launch, Williamson drew parallels between football and reading. She said the National Year of Reading represents a chance to fully commit to personal passions through literature in all its forms. The Arsenal skipper encouraged people to seize the opportunity by picking up books, listening to audiobooks, or diving into articles related to their interests. Her involvement underscores how sports figures can champion reading beyond their professional domains.
Resetting Reading Culture
Joanna Prior, chief executive of Pan Macmillan and chair of The National Literacy Trust, described the launch as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how Britain views books.
The ambition extends beyond traditional reading spaces, aiming to make literature accessible in communities, schools, and even on football pitches. Prior emphasized stripping away pressure and stigma around reading, making it relevant and enjoyable rather than obligatory.
The campaign represents a coordinated national effort to boost literacy rates and foster a genuine love of reading across all demographics and age groups throughout 2026.
Also read: Jodie Taylor Appointed Arsenal Women’s First Ever Technical Director
Arsenal Women host Manchester United on Saturday in a crucial six pointer for Champions League qualification. The Gunners sit just one point above United in the WSL table and victory at Emirates Stadium would give them a strong buffer, while defeat leaves them playing catch up in the race for Europe.
The match marks Arsenal’s return from the winter break following a busy week that saw Renee Slegers sign a new contract and Jodie Taylor promoted to Technical Director. However, the immediate focus is on securing three points against Marc Skinner’s side in what promises to be a tense encounter.
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, Saturday, January 11, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports (UK)
Cooney Cross Absent For Personal Reasons
Arsenal will be without Kyra Cooney Cross who has returned to Australia for personal reasons. Daphne van Domselaar is not quite ready to return from a quad injury while Chloe Kelly remains out with a knee problem. Jenna Nighswonger will not be in the matchday squad as she negotiates a loan move.
New signing Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby will be in the squad alongside recalled goalkeeper Naomi Williams. Manu Zinsberger and Katie Reid are out with ACL injuries. The absence of Cooney Cross means Mariona will likely drop into the deeper midfield role she has occupied for much of the last year.
United Strengthened in January
Manchester United have been busy in the transfer window, adding full back Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave and centre forward Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich. Skinner was dealt a poor hand over the summer with a very small squad handling Champions League qualifiers and the group phase.
Predicted Lineup:
Arsenal (4-3-3): Borbe; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Mariona, Maanum; Mead, Russo, Smith
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Zigiotti; Park, Malard, Awujo; Schuller
Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing
Arsenal confirmed on January 9, 2026 that Jodie Taylor has been appointed as the club’s first ever Technical Director.
The 39-year-old former England striker moves up from her existing role as Technical Services Manager, a position she has held since September 2023 following her retirement from professional football.
Taylor’s promotion comes on the same day Arsenal announced Renee Slegers’ new contract extension through 2029, creating a strategic restructuring of the women’s football department.
A Decade Long Arsenal Connection
Taylor’s relationship with Arsenal spans ten years since first joining as a player in 2016. She scored 10 goals in 17 appearances during her initial spell before returning on a short-term deal in March 2023. Taylor earned 50 plus England caps during her international career and won the Golden Boot at Euro 2017.
She represented her country at the 2015 Women’s World Cup finishing third and played for multiple elite clubs including Lyon, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave throughout her career.
Strategic Structural Development
Taylor’s new role bridges critical areas of football operations including recruitment, analysis, coaching and performance support. She will work closely with Renee Slegers on a daily basis as the Technical Director, providing structural support for coaching decisions and squad development.
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley praised Taylor’s appointment as integral to continued development of the program as Arsenal challenges for major trophies consistently. Wheatley will now focus on upward management across UEFA, FIFA and domestic boards while Taylor handles day to day operations.
Building a High Performance Environment
Taylor expressed immense pride stepping into her new position, emphasizing Arsenal’s remarkable growth over the past decade. She committed to nurturing a high-performance environment where players, coaching staff and support teams have the right tools to deliver at the highest level.
Her appointment represents investment in female leadership within Arsenal’s technical infrastructure, aligning with the club’s commitment to developing their women’s program systematically and strategically moving forward into their next phase.
Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing
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