Arsenal’s Historic Champions League Journey
Arsenal’s quest in the UEFA Champions League has seen tremendous highs and equally challenging lows. For the first time in 15 years, they reached the quarterfinals in the 2023/24 season, only to be narrowly edged out by the formidable Bayern Munich in a thrilling 3-2 aggregate defeat. This season, 2024/25, they have once again set their sights on advancing deep into the competition, and their performance in the first leg of the Round of 16 against PSV has given them reason to be optimistic. Arsenal’s first foray into the European Cup, the predecessor to the Champions League, was in 1971/72, and they have since participated in the competition 23 times, demonstrating their persistent ambition on the European stage.
The Legend of Thierry Henry
In the annals of Arsenal’s Champions League history, one name stands out above all others: Thierry Henry. The iconic French striker holds the club’s record as the top scorer in the competition with 35 goals, a testament to his stellar performances and clinical finishing. Henry’s heroics were particularly notable during the 2005/06 season, when he scored five crucial goals that propelled Arsenal to their first and, to date, only Champions League final. Despite the heartache of losing to Barcelona, Henry’s contributions remain etched in the memories of Arsenal fans. Robin van Persie, another legendary forward, follows Henry with 20 goals, adding another layer of offensive prowess to the club’s Champions League legacy.
The 2005/06 Final: A Missed Opportunity
The 2005/06 Champions League final against Barcelona remains one of the most poignant moments in Arsenal’s European history. Under the guidance of the revered Arsene Wenger, Arsenal had an incredible run, defeating Real Madrid, Juventus, and Villarreal in the knockout stages. They entered the final in Paris on a high, and when Sol Campbell put them ahead in the 37th minute, it seemed as if their dream of lifting the coveted trophy might come true. However, a red card for goalkeeper Jens Lehmann in the first half left the Gunners shorthanded, and despite a valiant effort, Samuel Eto’o equalized in the 76th minute, followed by Juliano Belletti’s decisive goal just five minutes later. The 2-1 defeat was a cruel blow, but it remains a significant chapter in the club’s history.
Mixed Fortunes in the Quarterfinals
Arsenal’s quarterfinal appearances have been a mixed bag of success and disappointment. Their first quarterfinal run came in 1971/72, where they lost to Ajax, who went on to win the European Cup that year. The Gunners reached the quarterfinals again in 2001, 2004, 2008, 2010, and most recently in 2024. In the 2008/09 season, they made it to the semifinals but were defeated 4-1 on aggregate by Manchester United, who then lost to Barcelona in the final. This pattern of making it to the quarterfinals and beyond only to be knocked out by eventual finalists or other strong teams has become a recurring theme, highlighting both Arsenal’s competitive spirit and the challenges they face against European giants.
2023/24: A Comeback and a Near-Miss
The 2023/24 season was a watershed moment for Arsenal in the Champions League. They returned to the competition with a strong group stage performance, dispatching PSV and Sevilla with a series of impressive victories. Despite a 1-0 defeat to Porto in the first leg of the Round of 16, they showed resilience by winning the return leg and securing their place in the quarterfinals. The matchup against Bayern Munich was intense, with the Gunners drawing 2-2 at Emirates Stadium in the first leg. However, a 1-0 loss in Germany, courtesy of a goal from Joshua Kimmich, brought their journey to an end. Despite the defeat, their performance in this season was a clear indication of their renewed competitiveness and the potential for further success in the years to come.
Looking Ahead: 2024/25 and Beyond
The 2024/25 season saw Arsenal finish third in the new league phase, a commendable achievement given the competition’s new format. They dominated their group, winning six of their eight matches, and secured a convincing victory over PSV in the first leg of the Round of 16. With a quarterfinal date with either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid looming, the stakes are higher than ever. Arsenal’s rich history in the Champions League, coupled with the legendary performances of players like Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie, serves as a source of inspiration for the current squad. As they prepare for their next European challenge, the club’s supporters are hopeful that this season will mark the beginning of a new era of success in the competition.
How to Watch the Champions League Globally
For fans eager to follow Arsenal’s Champions League journey, the competition is widely accessible around the world. In Australia, every match from the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Europa Conference League is available on Stan Sport, offering a seamless and ad-free viewing experience. In the United States, matches are broadcast on CBS, CBSSN, Univision, TUDN, and UniMas, and can be streamed on platforms like Fubo, Paramount+, and ViX. In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports and discovery+ are the primary broadcasters, with some matches also available on Amazon Prime. For viewers in India, Sony Sports and Sony LIV provide comprehensive coverage. In Canada, DAZN streams every game live, ensuring that no moment of excitement is missed, no matter where you are in the world.
