Real Madrid in 2006 was clearly not Henry’s first rodeo. But it turned out to be one of his most classically Henry-esque rides. The responsibility of leading his team from the front, of bringing the necessary arrogance to walk out at the Bernabeu — where Arsenal’s current side will venture next week after tonight’s Champions League quarter-final first leg — ready to elevate the show, lit an electrical charge in him.
Honestly, up to that point the 2005-06 season had been demoralising. But Henry led his team out at the Bernabeu as if that did not matter.
The visitors were geared up for a turning point. They were ready to liberate themselves and do something remarkable.
The moment of the tie came just after half-time. Henry picked up possession in the centre circle, switched into va-va-voom mode and went on a run that bypassed five opponents, his gaze glued to the ball as he ran on and on. He shrugged off Ronaldo, Guti ended up on the floor, Sergio Ramos could not catch him. A crack of the left foot and the ball angled under Iker Casillas’ dive and into the corner of the net. Henry ran and ran some more, arms outstretched to capture the significance of the goal.
Galacticos schmalacticos. For the night, it was Henry’s playground. He had the strut. He oozed the swagger. He grabbed the limelight and didn’t let go.
The night Thierry Henry and Arsenal silenced Real Madrid’s galacticos
