Our member Joel Ho shares his visit to The Arsenal to watch the team take on Real Madrid in April 2025.

A Night I’ll Never Forget!

The atmosphere was electric as I made my way into the Emirates. This wasn’t just any game; it truly felt like the biggest clash of the Emirates era. The fans were in full voice, scarves waving, and energy buzzing. Massive thanks to Dhanesh and Arsenal Singapore for making it possible for me to experience this unforgettable night live. Before kick-off, the night was already legendary, I caught sight of Arsenal legends Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, and Cesc Fabregas walking along the touchline, proudly representing our colours once again. Seeing them up close brought back so many memories!

The game kicked off in cagey fashion, with both sides looking cautious, aware of each other’s threat. Chances were limited in the first half, but there was a quiet tension in the air as though everyone inside the stadium knew something special was coming. And then, the second half exploded into life. Bukayo Saka lit up the pitch by drawing two fouls in dangerous areas outside the box. Up stepped Declan Rice—and what followed was pure theatre. Two stunning free kicks, each more outrageous than the other, sent everyone into total disbelief. The sound, the limbs, the hands on heads—it was chaos in the best possible way!!! Mikel Merino added a third, and by then, the place was bouncing. It was euphoria at the N5—the kind of night that reminds you why you fell in love with football in the first place.

This was hands down one of the greatest matches I’ve ever witnessed live, and to be there in person was an honour. The job isn’t done yet—we’ve still got to travel to Madrid—but we’re going there with one foot firmly in the semi-finals.

Up the Arsenal!