Wenger relieved at Arsenal exploits
Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Article summary
Arsenal FC manager Arsène Wenger admitted his side needed "some luck and a great save" to reach the last eight at the expense of Real Madrid CF.
Article body
Arsenal FC reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after a goalless draw against Real Madrid CF at Highbury. Both sides had numerous scoring opportunities, with the visitors' best chance coming on the hour, when Raúl González shot against the post and then saw his follow-up clawed away by Jens Lehmann, but Thierry Henry's stunning first-leg goal proved decisive for a young Arsenal team that fielded three players aged 22 or under in defence.
Arsène Wenger, Arsenal manager
I felt we made a nervous start to the game but after that we played well. It was a great 0-0 draw with both teams trying to score. I'm very proud of the team, we showed a lot of character and a determined attitude, especially the young players. We created many chances, but needed some luck and a great save from Jens Lehmann. I feel Thierry Henry was sometimes a bit isolated on his own up front, but he did extremely well. It should certainly give us confidence to play like that against very good opponents, but we need to take everything step by step.
Juan Ramón López Caro, Madrid coach
I am proud of my players tonight. Over the 90 minutes we played good football, but we were not clinical enough in front of goal. The game was a good spectacle and a fair result. Arsenal were very good on the counterattack, but we had many chances over the two legs and should have scored. Now we only have the Primera División to play for, and we need to fight until the last match.
Jens Lehmann, Arsenal goalkeeper
There was a huge release of emotion at the end of the game. This result means so much to us, it will take a little while to sink in. The young players coped extremely well with the pressure and played two outstanding matches.
David Beckham, Madrid midfielder
They defended exceptionally and we couldn't break them down. I'm very surprised it finished 0-0. We wish them luck because they're a good team. It's the first time I've come back to London since leaving England and I wanted it to be a happy occasion, but it isn't. Questions are always asked when a club of our stature wins nothing.
