The UEFA Champions League Europes elite club football competition is a stage where Arsenal Football Club has left an indelible mark since their debut in the 1971-72 season. Under Mikel Arteta’s management, the Gunners are making waves in the season, reaching the semi-finals for only the third time in their history.Arsenal Champions League, this look at Arsenal’s performance, key matches, stats, and how to follow their campaign, From their historic 2006 final run to their current clash with Paris Saint-Germain, this ultimate resource for Arsenal’s Champions League journey.
Table of Contents
Arsenal’s Champions League History
Arsenal’s European legacy began in 1963, but their first major success came in 1970 with the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. The club’s Champions League record includes 19 consecutive qualifications from 1998 to 2017, an English football record. Their pinnacle was the 2006 final, where they fell 2-1 to Barcelona despite a valiant effort after Jens Lehmann’s early red card. Other notable runs include quarter-final appearances in 2008, 2009, and 2010, and semi-final berths in 2006 and 2009. Arsenal’s 2024/2025 campaign, marked by a 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid, showcases their resurgence under Arteta.
Arsenal’s Champions League Performance
The season has been a breakout for Arsenal in the Champions League, with an impressive record through the league phase and knockout rounds.
- Played: 12 matches
- Won: 9
- Drawn: 2
- Lost: 1
- Goals Scored: 30
- Goals Conceded: 6
League Phase Highlights
Arsenal navigated a tough league phase with standout results:
- Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal: A solid defensive display to open the campaign.
- Arsenal 2-0 PSG: A statement win at Emirates Stadium.
- Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar Donetsk: A gritty victory showcasing resilience.
- Inter Milan 1-0 Arsenal: Their only loss, a narrow defeat in Milan.
- Sporting CP 1-5 Arsenal: A record-equaling away win with 3.89 xG, Arsenal’s highest in a Champions League away match since 2013/14.
- Arsenal 3-0 Monaco: Dominant home performance.
- Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb: Clinical finishing secured another clean sheet.
- Girona 1-2 Arsenal: A late winner kept momentum.
- Timber, Nwaneri, Merino, Odegaard (2), Trossard, and Calafiori scored in a historic rout of Arsenal, who lost 1-7 to PSV Eindhoven.
- Arsenal 2-2 PSV: A draw to close the league phase, ensuring qualification.
Knockout Stage Triumph
Arsenal’s quarter-final against Real Madrid was a defining moment. They won 3-0 at home, with Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and an own goal sealing the first leg. Gabriel Martinelli’s last-minute strike and Bukayo Saka’s chipped goal in the second leg at the Bernabeu led to a 2-1 victory (5-1 aggregate) and the elimination of the holders. This victory, described as Arteta’s best night as manager, propelled Arsenal to a semi-final against PSG, set for April 29 and May 7, 2025.
Key Players and Stats
A combination of youth, experience, and tactical discipline is essential to Arsenal’s success. Key performers include:
- Bukayo Saka: Leads with 10 assists and 6 goals, including a crucial strike against Real Madrid.
- Gabriel Martinelli: Scored 7 goals, with a stoppage-time winner at the Bernabeu.
- Declan Rice: Contributed 7 assists and 2 goals, anchoring midfield with a 73rd-minute equalizer against Manchester United.
- Kai Havertz: Scored 9 goals, leading Arsenal’s Premier League tally but also impactful in Europe.
- David Raya: Made critical saves, appearing in all 33 matches across competitions.
Team Stats
- xG For: Arsenal averages 1.72 xG per match, converting to 1.85 goals per game in the Premier League, with similar efficiency in the Champions League.
- xG Against: Their 0.88 xG against per game ranks first in the competition, with only Inter conceding fewer actual goals.
- Clean Sheets: 6 in 12 Champions League matches, with a competition-leading 0.6 goals conceded per game.
- Arsenal’s attacking intent can be seen in their 12.73 shots per game.
Tactical Brilliance Under Mikel Arteta
Arteta’s transformation of Arsenal since 2019, when they were in the Europa League, is evident in their Champions League run. His side’s defensive organization led by William Saliba and Jurrien Timber neutralized Real Madrid’s 42 crosses in the quarter-final. Offensively, Arsenal’s fluidity, driven by Saka and Martinelli’s wing play and Rice’s midfield control, has overwhelmed opponents. Their devastating counter-attacking style was on display in their 7-1 victory over PSV, which had an xG of 3.89. Arteta’s decision to maintain strong lineups, even with injuries to Riccardo Calafiori and Jorginho, reflects his focus on rhythm and consistency.
Where to Follow Arsenal’s Champions League Campaign
Fans can track Arsenal’s progress through reliable sources:
- UEFA.com: Offers fixtures, results, and stats for Arsenal’s campaign.
- ESPN: Provides live scores, highlights, and standings.
- Arsenal.com: The official club site for match reports, player interviews, and ticket info.
- Sofascore.com: Delivers real-time stats, including xG, shots, and player ratings.
- Sky Sports: Covers fixtures, live scores, and analysis.
- X Posts: Accounts like @afcstuff and @TheAthleticFC share updates, such as Arsenal’s 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid.
Viewing Options
- United States: Paramount+ streams all Champions League matches, including Arsenal vs. PSG.
- In the United Kingdom, games are broadcast on Wednesday by Discovery+ and TNT Sports, and on Tuesday by Amazon Prime Video.
- Global: DAZN and beIN Sports offer coverage in various regions, with highlights on YouTube’s official UEFA channel.
Key Matches to Watch
The semi-final against PSG is Arsenal’s biggest test yet, with the first leg on April 29, 2025, at Emirates Stadium (8:00 PM BST) and the return leg on May 7 at Parc des Princes. PSG, led by Kylian Mbappe, poses a formidable challenge, but Arsenal’s defensive record and home form (10 wins, 5 draws, 1 loss in the Premier League) give them confidence. A potential final against Barcelona or Inter Milan awaits, set for June 1, 2025, in Munich.
Recent results shaping Arsenal’s momentum include:
- Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid (April 8, 2025): A masterclass in counter-attacking.
- Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal (April 16, 2025): Saka and Martinelli sealed a historic win.
- Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace (April 23, 2025): A Premier League draw, but focus remains on Europe.
Challenges and Opportunities
Arsenal faces hurdles in their Champions League quest:
- Injuries: Calafiori and Jorginho are sidelined, with Saka nursing a minor issue.
- Squad Depth: Fans on BBC Sport noted Arsenal’s lack of a top striker and thin forward line as weaknesses, impacting their Premier League title bid.
- PSG’s Firepower: Mbappe’s pace and PSG’s attacking depth will test Arsenal’s defense.
However, opportunities abound:
- Youthful Energy: Saka (23) and Martinelli (23) are peaking, with Nwaneri (17) emerging as a talent.
- Home Advantage: The Emirates has been a fortress, with no Champions League goals conceded there this season.
- Arteta’s Vision: His tactical acumen and focus on “big trophies” signal Arsenal’s ambition.
Arsenal’s Broader Context
In the Premier League, Arsenal sit second with 18 wins, 12 draws, and 3 losses, scoring 61 goals. Their focus has shifted to the Champions League, as Liverpool are poised to clinch the domestic title. Arsenal’s transfer interest in Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, with a £50m release clause, aims to bolster their defense for future campaigns. The club’s history of resilience, from their 1970 Fairs Cup win to the 2003-04 Invincibles season, fuels optimism.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s Champions League campaign is a testament to their resurgence, with a historic 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid propelling them to the semi-finals against PSG. Led by Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Mikel Arteta’s tactical brilliance, the Gunners have scored 30 goals while conceding just 6, boasting the competition’s best defensive record. Fans can follow every moment on UEFA.com, ESPN, or Arsenal’s official site, with Paramount+ and TNT Sports streaming live action. Despite injury concerns and PSG’s challenge, Arsenal’s youthful squad and Emirates fortress offer hope for a first Champions League title. As the June 2025 final looms, this guide equips you to track Arsenal’s quest for European glory. Visit arsenal.com or follow @afcstuff on X for the latest updates, and join the roar for the Gunners!
References:
- UEFA.com: Arsenal UEFA Champions League 2024/25
- ESPN: Arsenal Scores, Stats, and Highlights
- The Athletic: Arsenal’s 5-1 Win Over Real Madrid
- Wikipedia: Arsenal F.C. in European Football
- BBC Sport: Arsenal News and Fixtures
- @afcstuff on X: Arsenal’s 2024/25 Champions League Record
- @TheAthleticFC on X: Arsenal’s Semi-Final Achievement
FAQS
How is Arsenal performing in the 2024/2025 Champions League?
Arsenal has reached the semi-finals, with 9 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in 12 matches, scoring 30 goals and conceding 6, boasting the best defensive record.
Who are Arsenal’s key players in the Champions League?
Bukayo Saka (6 goals, 10 assists), Gabriel Martinelli (7 goals), Declan Rice (2 goals, 7 assists), and Kai Havertz (9 goals across competitions) lead the charge.
Where can I watch Arsenal’s Champions League games?
In the US, stream on Paramount+; in the UK, TNT Sports (Wednesday) or Amazon Prime Video (Tuesday); globally, DAZN and beIN Sports offer coverage.
What are Arsenal’s chances of winning the 2024/2025 Champions League?
BBC Sport pundits favor Arsenal and PSG, citing Arsenal’s defensive solidity and Saka’s attacking threat, but Inter Milan’s defense poses a challenge.
