Is Arsenal's record against Spanish clubs a reason to worry? | OneFootball

Arsenal host Valencia in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday evening. Should the Gunners be worried?

History isn’t exactly on the Gunners’ side when it comes to clashes against Spanish opposition.

Arsenal v Spanish clubs in Europe

In recent times, Barcelona ended Arsenal’s Champions League journeys more often than any other club. The LaLiga giants sent Arsène Wenger’s side packing in 2010, 2011 and 2016. All that after beating Arsenal in the 2006 Champions League final.

Then last season it was Atlético Madrid who knocked Arsenal out in the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Way back in 1980, Valencia beat Arsenal on penalties to deny them in the Cup Winners’ Cup final.

And they beat the Gunners again in the 2003 Champions League second group stage.

There have, though, been some brighter days for the north London club. Real Madrid and Villarreal were dispatched in the 2006 Champions League knockout rounds.

The Yellow Submarine also lost to the Gunners the following year.

Back in 2004, Celta Vigo were also knocked out of Europe’s biggest competition at the hands of Arsenal.

This year? We’ll find out very soon if Arsenal can arrest their post-2009 habit of Spanish clubs ending their European dreams.