UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final
Second Leg Preview: Real Madrid vs. Arsenal
On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Real
Madrid hosts Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for the second leg of
their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. Arsenal enters the match with a
commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg, aiming to reach their first semi-final
since 2009. Real Madrid, known for their dramatic comebacks, will look to
overturn the deficit in front of their home crowd.
Match
Details
- Fixture:
Real Madrid vs. Arsenal
- Date:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
- Kick-Off Time:
8:00 PM BST / 3:00 PM ET / 12:30 AM IST (April 17)
- Venue:
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain
- Referee:
François Letexier (France)
- VAR:
Jérôme Brisard (France)
How
to Watch / Live Stream
- United Kingdom:
TNT Sports, Discovery+
- United States:
Paramount+, DirecTV Stream, Univision, TUDN, ViX
- India:
SonyLIV
- Ireland:
RTÉ 2, RTÉ Player (free live stream)
First
Leg Recap
In the first leg at the Emirates
Stadium, Arsenal secured a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid. Midfielder Declan Rice
was instrumental, scoring two goals from set-pieces. This result puts Arsenal
in a strong position to advance to the semi-finals.
Team
News
Real
Madrid
- Suspensions/Injuries:
Eduardo Camavinga is suspended, and Ferland Mendy is unavailable.
- Returnees:
Aurélien Tchouaméni returns and is expected to start in midfield.
- Tactical Decisions:
Manager Carlo Ancelotti faces a decision regarding Federico Valverde's
position, considering deploying him at right-back or in midfield.
Arsenal
- Injuries:
Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Riccardo Calafiori are dealing with minor
injuries. Ben White is expected to travel with the squad.
- Midfield:
Thomas Partey is anticipated to start at the base of midfield, alongside
Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
Predicted
Lineups
Real
Madrid (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper:
Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders:
Federico Valverde, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, Fran García
- Midfielders:
Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, Luka Modrić
- Forwards:
Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé
Arsenal
(4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper:
David Raya
- Defenders:
Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Ethan Nwaneri
- Midfielders:
Martin Ødegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice
- Forwards:
Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli
Head-to-Head
Record
Arsenal and Real Madrid have faced
each other three times in European competition. Arsenal has won two matches,
and one ended in a draw. Real Madrid has yet to secure a victory against the
Gunners.
Match
Preview
Real Madrid enters the match with a
significant challenge, needing to overcome a three-goal deficit. Manager Carlo
Ancelotti emphasizes the importance of a flawless performance, drawing
inspiration from the club's history of comebacks at the Bernabéu. Midfielder
Jude Bellingham also highlights the motivational atmosphere surrounding the
match.
Arsenal aims to maintain their
advantage and reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2009. Manager
Mikel Arteta focuses on tactical organization and concentration to withstand
Real Madrid's pressure. The Gunners' unbeaten record against Real Madrid adds
to their confidence.
Key
Battles
- Kylian Mbappé vs. Arsenal Defense: Mbappé's pace and skill will test Arsenal's backline,
particularly the young defenders.
- Midfield Control:
The battle between Tchouaméni, Bellingham, and Modrić against Rice,
Partey, and Ødegaard will be crucial in determining the game's tempo.
- Set-Pieces:
Arsenal's proficiency in set-pieces, as demonstrated in the first leg,
could be a decisive factor.
Prediction
While Real Madrid has a history of
remarkable comebacks, Arsenal's solid defense and three-goal cushion make them
favorites to advance. Expect a closely contested match, with Arsenal
progressing to the semi-finals.