Beckham back at Highbury

David Beckham returned to London tonight to play his first club football in England since leaving Manchester United, nearly three years ago.

The England captain had a challenge on his hands too, with Real Madrid 1-0 down from the first leg of this last-16 Champions League tie in Spain.

Beckham has not won a trophy since ending his glittering career at Old Trafford, and defeat in the Champions League will effectively mean a third successive season empty-handed.

The competition also represents Arsenal’s last chance of glory in a campaign dogged by inconsistency.

Arsene Wenger insists his team are on an “upward curve”, however, after the win in Madrid and an impressive 4-0 success at Fulham on Saturday.

Wenger started with the same team he put out in Madrid, recalling Cesc Fabregas to midfield after resting him at Fulham.

Madrid boss Juan Ramon Lopez Caro played Ronaldo up front, despite having dropped him from the derby against Atletico last weekend.

He also picked Raul ahead of Robinho in attack, and Michel Salgado was preferred to Cicinho at right-back.

Arsenal v Real Madrid teams

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

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

Real Madrid: Casillas, Salgado, Sergio, Bravo, Carlos, Beckham, Guti, Gravesen, Zidane, Raul, Ronaldo.

Subs: Diego, Helguera, Julio Baptista, Robinho, Cicinho, Cassano, Diogo.

Referee: M Lubos (Slovakia)