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Henry magic gives Arsenal 1-0 win over Real
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-02-22 08:48
BREATHLESS START
The breathless start clearly took its toll on Real Madrid centre-back
Jonathan Woodgate who left the field in the ninth minute clutching his left
hamstring.
Real Madrid's Raul
(L) is tackled by Arsenal's Gilberto from Brazil during their Champions
League first knockout round, first leg soccer match at Santiago Bernabeu
stadium in Madrid, February 21, 2006. Raul played his 100th Champions
League match.[Reuters] | Arsenal almost took
advantage a minute later when Reyes floated a perfectly weighted cross into the
area, but Henry wasted the chance and sent his header wide of the far post.
Real's first chance did not come until the 26th minute when David Beckham,
playing his first match against Premiership opposition since joining the
Spaniards three years ago, headed wide of the post.
The England captain had a second opportunity a few minutes later, but this
time he lashed wide of the post after a clever assist from Ronaldo.
Despite missing three of their first choice defenders, the Arsenal back four
managed to restrict Real to long range efforts on goal and keeper Jens Lehmann
was only seriously pressed into action when Robinho fired off a half-volley just
before the break.
Ronaldo, who launched an attack on the Real fans for their lack of support on
the eve of the match, turned in an anonymous performance.
HENRY STRIKES
If Arsenal were slow to take advantage in the first half, they made no
mistake at the start of the second, when Henry broke quickly after Ronaldo had
lost the ball on the halfway line.
The Frenchman, whose future at Highbury is still in doubt, almost
nonchalantly shrugged off three challenges before steering the ball past
Casillas to put Arsenal in front and take his total in the Champions League to
40.
Real's heads dropped after the setback and they struggled to hold on to the
ball in midfield and looked desperately short of ideas in attack.
Coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro responded by sending on Raul for his 100th
appearance in the Champions League, but the Spain striker's only chance was well
saved by Lehmann in the dying minutes.
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