Real Madrid: Cesc Fabregas Delivers Bad News to Arsenal After His Great Victory

Arsenal may have stunned the football world with a dominant 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, but Cesc Fàbregas has warned fans not to celebrate too soon. The former Arsenal captain, now a respected football pundit and manager, delivered a sobering message during his post-match analysis on Amazon Prime, cautioning that Real Madrid should never be underestimated — especially in Europe.

Tuesday night at the Emirates was electric. The Gunners put on a performance for the ages, dismantling the 14-time European champions with precision and flair. The crowd roared as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Martin Ødegaard found the net, giving Mikel Arteta’s men a dream result to take into the second leg. But amid the celebrations, Fàbregas’s voice of reason echoed loudly.

“I’d love to say it’s over,” Fàbregas began, “but Real Madrid is Real Madrid.” It wasn’t a statement to take anything away from Arsenal’s brilliance — rather, it was a call for caution rooted in history and experience. Having played for both Arsenal and Barcelona, Fàbregas knows firsthand the unpredictability and resilience of Los Blancos.

During his commentary, Fàbregas dissected the flow of the game, praising Arsenal’s intensity and clinical execution. But he admitted he was never at ease. “After the first goal, I said we needed a second. And after the second, we absolutely needed a third,” he noted. The urgency in his words wasn’t mere analysis — it was a reflection of just how dangerous Real Madrid can be, even when they’re down.

Real Madrid’s history in the Champions League is full of dramatic comebacks, and Fàbregas reminded viewers of one such event. “They’ve done it before. They came back from three goals against Borussia Mönchengladbach back in 1986,” he recalled. That iconic comeback remains one of the club’s most cherished memories — and a warning to any opponent.

But it’s not just the past that worries Fàbregas. He’s seen the modern-day Real Madrid pull off miracles that defy belief. “We all remember what they did against PSG, against Chelsea, and even Manchester City. All it takes is one goal at the Bernabéu. One moment,” he said, emphasizing how quickly momentum can swing at that legendary stadium.

While Fàbregas was full of praise for Arsenal’s youthful core, especially standouts like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, he stopped short of declaring the tie over. “Yes, Arsenal were fantastic. They showed maturity and were incredibly efficient. But the job is only half done. Madrid doesn’t give up. They thrive under pressure, and that’s what makes them dangerous.”

The weight of expectation now rests heavily on Arsenal. After such a commanding first-leg performance, anything less than qualification would be heartbreaking. But Fàbregas’s warning is clear — the semi-finals aren’t booked yet. “You have to play another 90 minutes, and those 90 minutes are at the Bernabéu. That’s a different beast altogether,” he said.

The message wasn’t meant to rain on Arsenal’s parade. Instead, it was a nod to the realism that comes with experience. Fàbregas has seen title dreams collapse in a single moment. He’s played against Madrid teams that looked beaten — only to rise again. That’s the mystique of Real Madrid in Europe, and it’s what keeps them relevant no matter the scoreline.

“Complacency is Madrid’s best friend,” Fàbregas added. “The moment you think it’s over, they come alive. They’ve done it to better teams. Arsenal must remain focused, sharp, and humble. Only then can they see this through.”

As the second leg approaches, Arsenal will need to prepare for a Madrid side that has nothing to lose. The Spanish giants have made a career out of rewriting narratives, and they’ll relish the opportunity to play the underdog for once.

Fàbregas ended his analysis with a final thought. “Arsenal fans should enjoy this moment — they deserve it. But they must also understand the danger that still lies ahead. Madrid is wounded, but that’s when they’re at their most lethal.”

It’s a fascinating psychological battle now. Can Arsenal maintain their edge? Can they shut out the noise and focus on the task ahead? Or will Real Madrid, once again, summon the ghosts of past glories to turn the tide in their favor?

What’s certain is that this quarterfinal is far from over. The 3-0 scoreline may look comfortable on paper, but Fàbregas knows better. Arsenal must respect the badge, the history, and the madness of Madrid if they want to truly conquer Europe.

With the return leg looming, all eyes will be on the Santiago Bernabéu — a stadium where dreams are made, but also where they are mercilessly shattered.