Arsenal vs. Real Madrid: Champions League Quarterfinal Match Preview

Arsenal and Real Madrid are set to meet in the Champions League for the first time in 19 years on Tuesday, with the Gunners aiming to repeat their historic 2006 performance. In their journey to their first Champions League final, Arsene Wenger`s team shut out the Galacticos both at home and away. Thierry Henry`s goal at the Santiago Bernabeu was the first winning goal for an English team at that stadium and secured their place in the quarterfinals.

Nearly two decades later, Arsenal are still considered underdogs. Despite potential absences, including defensive player Gabriel Magalhaes and a senior center forward, scoring against Kylian Mbappe and his team might be challenging. However, Bukayo Saka is back, and Arsenal`s defense has been among the strongest in the Champions League this season.

Their defense hasn`t faced a test quite like Madrid, the defending champions who overcame Manchester City in the playoffs and Atletico Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout in the round of 16. Real Madrid seem to have rediscovered their winning formula, even when not playing their best, and their Champions League history is undeniable. Will this be enough to win?

Viewing information

• Date: Tuesday, April 8
• Location: Emirates Stadium — London
• Live stream:Paramount+
• Odds: Arsenal +125; Draw +220; Real Madrid +230

Last meeting

These two teams have never played at the Emirates Stadium. While the 2006 round of 16 was defined by Henry`s famous goal in Madrid, Arsenal`s defensive resilience at Highbury was arguably more crucial. Jens Lehmann made a key save against Raul, and Gilberto Silva denied Ronaldo with an excellent tackle. The hosts will need a similar fighting spirit this time.

Road to the quarterfinals

Madrid`s journey to the quarterfinals has been dramatic. Defeats to Lille, AC Milan, and Liverpool pushed the titleholders into the knockout playoffs, where Jude Bellingham`s inspired performance helped them overcome Manchester City in the first leg. The second leg was more straightforward, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick. Further drama followed against Atletico Madrid. After leading in the first leg, Conor Gallagher`s early equalizer led to a penalty shootout, which Carlo Ancelotti`s team won amidst controversy over a Julian Alvarez penalty.

For Arsenal, the path to the quarterfinals has been relatively smooth. Only Inter Milan defeated them in the group stage, where they finished third, earning a bye to the last 16. They comfortably progressed with a dominant 7-1 away win against PSV Eindhoven, followed by a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

Predicted lineups

Arsenal: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli

Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba; Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham; Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior

Player to watch

Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid — After missing a penalty in a defeat to Valencia, Vinicius is again in the spotlight, with questions about his compatibility with Kylian Mbappe. However, his manager seems unconcerned.

`I`ve not talked to him,` Ancelotti said. `I don`t need to. He could have played better at the weekend, but I don`t need to discuss it with him. He’s young and will have a great game tomorrow.`

Storyline to watch

Will the Emirates provide a home advantage? — Arsenal has worked hard to turn their home ground into a fortress. They haven`t lost a European game at home since February 2020. Displays and fireworks are planned to boost the atmosphere, and manager Arteta wants the fans to be their “57,000 reinforcements.”

`I encourage them to come early for the warm-up and create those special nights at Emirates Stadium,` he said. `We need to build moments with our fans. We have to create that energy, belief, and enthusiasm for every action. The confidence it gives is irreplaceable and needs to be maintained for the entire game.`

Champions League quarterfinal schedule

Quarterfinal TV schedule

All times U.S./Eastern