Arsenal and France legend Theirry Henry delivered a five-word response to Real Madrid’s stunning comeback against Borussia Dortmund.
On Tuesday night, the UEFA Champions League took centre stage as reigning champions Madrid took on Dortmund in a repeat of last season’s final at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
The Bundesliga giants raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half thanks to goals from Donyell Malen and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
However, they somewhat capitulated in the second half as a hat-trick from Vinicius Junior plus goals from Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez sealed a stunning 5-2 comeback win for Los Blancos.
Reacting to the result, former Arsenal and Barcelona superstar Henry was quoted saying: “This is Champions League heritage”, by CBS Sports.
The Frenchman explained: “I called it. I don’t know why you guys are surprised here with Madrid. I’ve seen that first half, I’ve seen that second half and I’ve seen that result before times and times again. I’m surprised that you’re surprised by it. I don’t get it, you’ve seen it!
“I was expecting it in all fairness, I would have to say something and it happens to any young manager, I’ve been in that position. He went to a back five too early, just don’t go into a back five that early against a team like that when you’re 2-0 up.”
Henry continued: “They defended well in a back four, why suddenly you cannot defend in a back four, why are you allowing them to stay in your half.”
When asked by CBS Sports host Kate Scott whether it was down to Dortmund ‘losing their bottle’, Henry replied: “I don’t know. I can assure you when you’re behind that line, when I’m here(in the studio) it’s clear you shouldn’t do that. But when you’re on the other side sitting on the bench and you’re 2-0 up, at times, instead of staying calm, you play the moment.
“They had one or two chances early doors, they were not really that clear and you went to a back five and I’m like ‘You were controlling the game in a back four’, yeah obviously they’re gonna send bodies in. I just think he(Nuri Sahin, Dortmund manager) went too early into a back five and against a team like that, you allow them to stay around your box, they’re gonna punish you and they did.”
Featured Image Credit: CBS Sports/TNT
Topics: Thierry Henry, Real Madrid, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund, Football