Wenger takes cautious approach

Arsene Wenger deployed a five-man midfield supporting Arsenal captain Thierry Henry for tonight’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

In came fit-again Jose Antonio Reyes, the Spaniard playing wide on the left, while Alexander Hleb also started with Freddie Ljungberg on the opposite flank.

In defence, Mathieu Flamini was again asked to fill in at left-back, with Emmanuel Eboue now returned, along with centre-half Kolo Toure, from African Nations Cup duty to feature.

For Real, Ronaldo started in attack despite his outburst at the club’s fans this week.

England captain David Beckham and former Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate both played, along with one-time Everton man Thomas Gravesen.

Raul – the leading Champions League goalscorer of all time – was on the bench after his comeback from injury.

Real Madrid v Arsenal teams

Real Madrid: Casillas, Cicinho, Sergio, Woodgate, Carlos, Gravesen, Beckham, Guti, Zidane, Robinho, Ronaldo.

Subs: Cobeno, Salgado, Raul, Julio Baptista, Cassano, Diogo, Mejia.

Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Senderos, Flamini, Ljungberg, Hleb, Silva, Fabregas, Reyes, Henry.

Subs: Almunia, Diaby, Pires, Song Billong, Walcott, Djourou, Lupoli.

Referee: Stefano Farina (Italy)