In the worldwide popular TV series Game of Thrones, one of the main characters, Jamie Lannister, has the (somewhat derogatory) nickname “Kingslayer” because he murdered “The Mad King” Aerys Targaryen during a coup. And even though he knew he did a favour to the people of the Seven Kingdoms, he wasn’t too proud of his deed.Last night, another King lost his crown, but this time, the situation was much different than in the GoT. The King was by no means mad. He was a bit arrogant and condescending, but who wouldn’t be after 15 Champions League trophies and six European crowns in the last 11 years?Arsenal are through to the semi-final of the Champions League for the first time since 2009!Back in the big time. 💪 pic.twitter.com/H0B2Hp6k5G— Squawka (@Squawka) April 16, 2025 And the crew that executed that frightening King – also known as Real Madrid – which has been ruling European football with an iron fist for years probably won’t get a derogatory nickname. If anything, most football fans are happy someone else will get a chance to take the European throne as Madrid have often made the UCL battle pretty dull and predictable.Real is worse than Luton! No ‘remontada‘ in Madrid, Arsenal are through!However, unlike Jamie Lannister, this crew – alias Arsenal – would be proud of the nickname “Kingslayers,” though they would have to have a slight addition “2.0,” as nineteen years ago, another “gang” from north London had already made the King lose his crown, which he struggled to regain for years.##NAJAVA_MECA_8859677##Nineteen years ago, Real Madrid and Arsenal met for the first time in history, in the UCL Round of 16. On one side were the “Galacticos” with Iker Casillas, Roberto Carlos, Sergio Ramos, Robinho, Zinedine Zidane, Guti, David Beckham, Ronaldo, Raul, and Co. On the other side were the challengers, the Gunners with little chance to succeed but with a man ready to fight alone if necessary.In one of the most dominant displays Santiago Bernabeu has ever seen, Thierry Henry scored the only goal, giving Arsenal the advantage ahead of the return leg at the legendary Highbury. In London, Arsenal’s fortress held out (0-0) and the King from Madrid was brought to his knees.🔴⚪️ Theirry Henry with 1 of the best individual CL displays away at Real Madrid 💯⚪️🔴 pic.twitter.com/0nwXcW5UU5— GoonerNick (@nickvann1987__) February 9, 2024 The Gunners were later eliminated in the semi-finals by Man United and never again faced Real Madrid.Until April 2025.Once Kylian Mbappe joined Carlo Ancelotti’s crew, the current generation of Madrid’s players was named “Galacticos 2.0”. After all, a squad that has Vinicius Jr, Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba, and Antonio Rudiger alongside the Frenchman mentioned above was definitely worthy of succeeding the “Galacticos” from the beginning of the century.UCL aftermath: Arteta wanted to slap Saka! Carletto spoke about leaving MadridThierry Henry has long been retired, but the “Kingslayer spirit” Arsenal developed almost two decades ago did not fade. Only this time, the King was demolished even more easily than before. Mikel Arteta’s “rebels,” led by Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, William Saliba, and Co., smashed Real Madrid both in London and the Spanish capital and advanced to the semis, winning 5-1 on aggregate!1 – Arsenal are first team ever to win each of their first two games against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabéu in all competitions. Historic. pic.twitter.com/3RAgSDhMLF— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 16, 2025 That one goal, scored last night by Vinicius Jr, was the first goal Los Blancos scored against Arsenal, while the Gunners became the first team to win each of their first two games against Madrid at Bernabeu! Moreover, this is the first time the La Liga side hasn’t progressed from the UCL quarter-finals in their last 13 attempts!Real Madrid have scored against Arsenal for the for the first time EVER in the Champions League. 😱 https://t.co/8N2MMtzzyX— Squawka (@Squawka) April 16, 2025 Nineteen years ago, Arsenal crushed the King but still failed to win the UCL. And when you bring the ruler to his knees, you must aim high. This season, this generation of Arteta’s soldiers goes for the title. Just to feel what it looks like to wear the crown.
