As Arsenal prepares for the highly anticipated second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on April 16, 2025, all eyes are on captain Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian midfielder, who once had a turbulent spell at the Spanish giants, is focused on leading his current team to victory and making history.
Odegaard, now 26, has no ill feelings towards Real Madrid despite the challenges he faced during his time there. He joined the club at just 16, after a high-profile transfer from Stromsgodset, but struggled to find his footing amid fierce competition for places. "I just wanna say that almost everything they are saying isn’t true," Odegaard remarked on Instagram when he left Madrid. "I have my reasons, I know what the truth is and what has happened and that’s why I think it’s for the best."
While Odegaard acknowledges the difficulties he encountered, he still maintains connections with some individuals at the club and holds no animosity towards his past. Instead, his focus is directed towards helping Arsenal reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009, with the ultimate goal of lifting the trophy as the club's captain.
In the first leg of the quarter-final, which took place recently, Arsenal secured a commanding 3-0 victory against Real Madrid, positioning them favorably for the return match. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were instrumental in that win, and they will be expected to deliver once again. Saka, in particular, may pose a threat to Madrid's Fran Garcia, while Rice's dominance in midfield has prompted speculation about changes in the Spanish side's lineup, including the potential dropping of 39-year-old Luka Modric.
Odegaard's performance in the first leg showed glimpses of his talent, as he effectively connected with Saka and pressed high up the pitch. However, he also recognized that he faded at times, allowing his teammates to take the spotlight. As Arsenal heads into the second leg, Odegaard understands the significance of his role. "I want to put it right in the final months of the 2024/25 campaign," he stated, acknowledging his dip in form this season.
Despite his struggles, Odegaard boasts impressive statistics this season, with five goals and eight assists to his name, including five contributions in eight Champions League matches. His ability to control the tempo of the game will be crucial as Arsenal faces the daunting task of playing at the Santiago Bernabeu, a ground where Madrid has triumphed 15 times in the Champions League.
Odegaard's journey back to the Bernabeu is laden with personal significance. After a series of loan spells, including a successful stint at Real Sociedad, he found his footing at Arsenal, where he has since been appointed captain. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, played a pivotal role in convincing Odegaard to join the club, patiently waiting until the right moment to secure his signing after a prior loan.
Carlo Ancelotti, who was in charge when Odegaard joined Madrid, has since acknowledged the midfielder's growth, stating, "He left the club for new experiences and is one of the best midfielders right now in Europe." This endorsement from Ancelotti highlights the transformation Odegaard has undergone since his departure from Madrid.
As the second leg approaches, the atmosphere is electric, with both teams aware of the stakes at hand. Real Madrid is determined to mount a comeback, with Jude Bellingham noting that the word "remontada" (Spanish for comeback) has been echoing in their dressing room. Odegaard, however, is not one to shy away from pressure. His experience and maturity will be vital in controlling the game and thwarting Madrid's hopes of a miraculous turnaround.
In terms of his record against Real Madrid, Odegaard has faced them four times, winning and losing two matches each. This mixed history adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming clash, as he looks to leave his mark on the game and solidify his status as a key player for Arsenal.
The significance of this match extends beyond the pitch. For Odegaard, it represents a chance to rewrite the narrative of his career, which has been marked by ups and downs. "If he were to captain Arsenal to a Premier League title… seeing a Norwegian lifting the Premier League trophy would be surreal for us," remarked Norwegian football journalist Thore Haugstad, encapsulating the hopes of many fans back home.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, Odegaard's determination to succeed shines through. He is acutely aware of the opportunity at hand, not just for himself but for the entire Arsenal squad. With a rich history of footballing talent in Norway, this match is a chance for Odegaard to elevate his status and achieve something truly special.
In conclusion, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter at the Bernabeu. Martin Odegaard's return to Real Madrid is filled with personal significance, and his leadership will be crucial as Arsenal aims to secure their place in the Champions League semi-finals. With the support of his teammates and the weight of expectation on his shoulders, Odegaard is ready to rise to the occasion and potentially etch his name into Arsenal's history.
