Real Madrid`s Champions League quarterfinal match against Arsenal is a crucial moment for both teams as they compete for trophies. Both teams are approaching this game from different positions.

The first leg will be held at Arsenal`s Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. Arsenal has shown more consistency in the Champions League this season. For Arsenal, winning the Champions League is their last opportunity to secure a trophy this season. They haven`t reached the semifinals in the past 19 years, highlighting the challenge they face.

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Arsenal vs. Real Madrid Starting Lineups

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

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

This match is extremely important for Arsenal`s manager Mikel Arteta, who described it as the most significant game in his managerial career.

“Absolutely. The excitement around the club and the fans is huge because this is where Arsenal should be consistently,” Arteta mentioned in his pre-match press conference. “This is why I joined football and management, especially at this club. It`s been 20 years since Arsenal has played a game of this magnitude, and it`s a great chance for us to create our own history.”

Arteta will need to make key lineup decisions for Tuesday`s game. Bukayo Saka is available, which is a boost for Arsenal. However, Gabriel is out due to a season-ending hamstring injury. Arsenal`s list of unavailable players also includes Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, who are recovering from long-term injuries.

Real Madrid`s manager Carlo Ancelotti needs to balance his talented squad. Players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are expected to start. Ancelotti is working to compensate for the absence of Dani Ceballos, who is injured, and Dani Carvajal, who is recovering from an ACL tear. He is also considering how to best use Federico Valverde, who can play in multiple positions.

Ancelotti said, “There`s a question about Valverde`s position. He is versatile and can play centrally or on the wing. I am considering the best option.”