‘The atmosphere, the anticipation, the result — it all came together to create something special.’
Fan Opinion Column: Arsenal Canada member Amine re-lives the 3-0 victory over Real Madrid.
Arsenal F.C. produced two memorable performances to eliminate fifteen time European champions Real Madrid from the Champions League. They joined the Women’s team in knocking-out the Spanish heavy weights to progress into the semi-finals of the tournament.
The team put themselves in a solid position to get the job done at the Bernabeu after an immense performance in the first-leg - winning 3-0 at the Emirates - and some say it's the most historic win we’ve had at the Emirates Stadium. A handful of Arsenal Canada members were lucky enough to be there after securing tickets through Arsenal Canada’s ticket ballot.
I got the opportunity to catch-up with Amine (pictured above) - a Montreal based Gooner and Arsenal Canada member who experienced that historic night in north London first-hand - to ask a few questions and hear all about the experience.
Oliver: First of all Amine, tell me how long you’ve been a fan of the club and who is your favourite player in the current squad?
Amine: I’ve been a fan since 2001. In all fairness, I can't name just one. But if i had to pick, it would have to be Saka.
O: How long have you been an Arsenal Canada member? And what is the best thing about being a member?
A: Since summer 2024. Getting to experience unforgettable moments with fellow Gooners.
O: Was this your first time to the Emirates Stadium to watch Arsenal?
A: Not my first visit, but definitely the most memorable by far.
O: How did you feel when you found out you had tickets for the game?
A: A mix of awe and anxiety. I was so pumped to go, but the pressure of such a huge match definitely hit me.
O: What was your experience like building up to the game on the day and can you describe to me the feeling around the stadium before the match?
A: Arriving early, just like they suggested, made all the difference. Getting off at the station and seeing a sea of Arsenal kits—it instantly hit me that I was part of something bigger. Everyone was there for the same reason, and the energy was electric. I joined in the chants, soaked up the atmosphere, and just let it all sink in. And as a bonus for being early, I even managed to snap a photo with Robert Pires—an unforgettable moment!
O: What were your emotions once you got to your seat inside the stadium and what was it like to experience that atmosphere during the match?
A: It really hit me when I realized I was sitting in the North Bank. The energy there is something else—non-stop chants, constant encouragement, and a vibe that’s just unmatched. I felt like I had to rise to the occasion and match the energy around me. Being part of that section felt like we were setting the tempo for the entire stadium. It was powerful.
O: What was your favourite goal of the game?
A: Declan’s free-kick to break the deadlock was the moment that lit the spark. We were already playing better than Real Madrid, so I wasn’t too worried—we just needed that goal. Once it went in, you could feel the shift. The confidence surged through the team, and from that point on, Arsenal looked unstoppable.
O: Besides the three goals we scored, for you personally, what was the stand-out moment of the matchday experience overall?
A: Honestly, the whole day was unforgettable—it wasn’t just about the goals. I was nervous, but in a good way. The atmosphere, the anticipation, the result—it all came together to create something special. What really stood out was the sense that this match meant more than just three points. You could feel the momentum building, the belief growing—not just in the team, but in the fans too. It felt like a turning point, a sign that we’re heading in the right direction. It was more than a game—it was a statement.
What a night for the club and what a night for Amine! A real testament to the memories that supporting this club, and being a part of the community at Arsenal Canada, bring.
If you have questions about membership or how you can obtain tickets through Arsenal Canada - please read our helpful FAQ page here: https://www.arsenalcanada.ca/faq.
About the Author
Oliver Reeves is a marketing volunteer and a contributor to Arsenal Canada. This Blog was written for Arsenal Canada as an opinion blog feature. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views, and members (unless otherwise stated in the article), of Arsenal Canada. Check out the rest of the Arsenal Canada Volunteer team here.