UCL: When Thierry Henry Named the One Club That Can Stop Real Madrid
- Thierry Henry believes there is one club capable of stopping Real Madrid from winning the 2024/25 Champions League
- Real Madrid are always among the favourites to win the Champions League, given their rich history and dominance in the competition
- No matter their form in domestic leagues, they consistently transform into a different beast on European nights
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Thierry Henry believes that one top European side has the potential to stop Real Madrid from securing yet another Champions League title in the 2024/25 season.
The French legend is no stranger to Europe’s elite competition, having played in it 112 times across spells with Monaco, Arsenal, and Barcelona.
Source: Getty Images
He came agonisingly close to lifting the trophy in 2005/06 when Arsenal suffered a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the final in his home country, France.
Ironically, he would later win the competition with Barça in 2008/09, playing alongside Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta in a dominant 2-0 victory over Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in Rome.
Since then, Real Madrid have cemented its status as the dominant force in the Champions League, winning six of the last ten editions.
Henry named Real Madrid's bogey side in UCL
However, despite Los Blancos reigning as current champions, Henry firmly believes that Barcelona should be considered one of the strongest challengers to their supremacy this season.
Speaking on CBS Sports back in November 2024, the Arsenal legend expressed confidence in the Catalan giants' ability to go the distance and should be “considered as one of the favourites” to win the competition.
"Yes, I do think that this team right now, because of the two years they have played together and the tough season they endured last year, they have learned the most about their character," Henry said. "That experience shapes how you perform and how you push forward."
"They are the only team that Real Madrid fear. I think this team right now, has to be considered as one of the favourites to win it (Champions League),” he added.
“Are they going to win it? You need to, along the way, lose a semi-final, to lose a quarter-final, to know how hard it is to go out. But I do think that they are equipped to go all the way."
Real Madrid gear up for Bayern showdown
Real Madrid host Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.
The two giants share the most-played fixture in the competition’s history, with this encounter marking their 29th meeting.
Drawn against familiar opposition once again, Los Blancos will renew their rivalry with Bayern in a clash that has consistently delivered high drama over the years.
Source: Getty Images
Real Madrid hold a slight edge in the head-to-head record, with 13 wins compared to Bayern’s 11 from their previous 28 meetings, and they are currently unbeaten in their last nine encounters, winning seven and drawing two.
History also favours the Spanish side, as they have gone on to lift the Champions League trophy in each of the last four seasons they eliminated Bayern Munich. led by Harry Kane, from the competition.
Henry names Premier League's GOAT midfielder
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Thierry Henry had no doubts when selecting the greatest midfielder in Premier League history.
While he acknowledged there were several outstanding candidates, one name stood above the rest.
Source: YEN.com.gh
