Arsenal welcome Real Madrid to the Emirates Stadium as they aim to secure a spot in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009. Here’s our preview and prediction for Tuesday’s highly anticipated clash.
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Arsenal vs Real Madrid: Preview
A blockbuster clash awaits as Arsenal and Real Madrid—second in the Premier League and La Liga, respectively—go head-to-head in the Champions League quarter-finals. But while both sides are flying domestically, their European pedigrees tell a very different story.
Arsenal haven’t reached the Champions League semi-finals since 2009. In contrast, Real Madrid have lifted the trophy six times in that span, cementing their dominance on the continental stage.
That said, past achievements will count for little when the two teams meet under the lights at the Emirates on Tuesday. What they do highlight, however, is the magnitude of the challenge facing Mikel Arteta’s men.
Arsenal’s task is made even tougher by a growing injury list. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhães—likely starters—are both sidelined, along with Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. There is some relief, though: Ben White returned to the lineup in the recent draw at Everton, while Jurriën Timber made a substitute appearance following his injury layoff.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping to have Thibaut Courtois available, with the Belgian having outperformed his xGOT (expected goals on target) by a remarkable four goals in this season’s tournament. However, the Spanish giants are still without Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão due to long-term injuries, while Aurélien Tchouaméni serves a suspension. Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy could return to bolster the squad.
Regardless of who lines up, Real Madrid’s record in the Champions League speaks for itself. The reigning champions have not lost the first leg in any of their last eight knockout ties—winning five of them. They’re also unbeaten in their last four first-leg matches played away from home, suffering just two defeats in their previous 13 such encounters.
While Real Madrid’s knockout pedigree is intimidating, Arsenal have quietly built an impressive defensive record in this season’s Champions League. Mikel Arteta’s side lead the 2024–25 competition in expected goals against per game (0.88), a testament to their compact shape and discipline off the ball. Only Inter Milan have conceded fewer goals per game (0.6), underlining Arsenal’s consistency at the back.
A key factor in that success has been David Raya. The Spanish goalkeeper has been in exceptional form, conceding 3.7 fewer goals than expected based on xG on target faced—ranking among the top shot-stoppers in Europe. His reliability has helped Arsenal trail for just 65 minutes across the campaign, while no other team has spent more time in the lead (568 minutes).
However, even such defensive steel may not be enough to unsettle Kylian Mbappé. The Real Madrid star is no stranger to silencing hostile crowds and has a lethal record against English opposition—scoring 10 goals in 16 Champions League appearances, including four in just two games against Manchester City this season.
Karim Benzema may hold the record for the most Champions League knockout goals against English clubs in a single season—scoring seven during Real Madrid’s 2021–22 title-winning campaign—but Kylian Mbappé could soon challenge that feat. While the 26-year-old striker is likely unaware of his compatriot’s unique milestone, his current form suggests he could come close by the end of this tie.
Tuesday’s encounter promises a fascinating mix of raw potential and seasoned class. Arsenal’s academy stars Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri are in contention to make history—potentially becoming only the second and third English players to start a Champions League quarter-final aged 18 or younger. The only player to do so before them? Jude Bellingham, who will be lining up for the opposition, famously starting against Manchester City at just 17.
At the other end of the experience spectrum stands Luka Modrić. When Arsenal last reached a Champions League final 19 years ago, the Croatian maestro had already made his debut for the national team. Now nearing 40, Modrić remains a crucial cog in Real Madrid’s midfield. He leads all players with over 500 minutes played in the current UCL campaign for line-breaking passes, averaging 17.5 per 90 minutes. He may not start, but if Real need to unlock Arsenal’s backline late on, few players are better equipped.
Despite their illustrious history, Real Madrid have never beaten Arsenal in the European Cup or Champions League—a rare omission from a record that includes victories over 111 different clubs. If the Gunners are to keep their dream of a first semi-final appearance since 2009 alive heading into the return leg in Spain, maintaining that unbeaten record could be vital.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid: Head-to-head
Given their storied histories in the UEFA Champions League, it’s surprising that Arsenal and Real Madrid have crossed paths only twice before. Their lone encounter came in the 2005–06 season, when Arsenal reached their first—and so far only—Champions League final. A famous 1-0 win at the Santiago Bernabéu, sealed by none other than Thierry Henry, was followed by a goalless draw at Highbury to send the Gunners through to the quarter-finals.
Since then, Real Madrid have become seasoned veterans when it comes to facing English opposition. The Spanish giants have played 22 knockout-stage matches against Premier League clubs since the 2017–18 season, winning 11 and losing just six. Their recent record is particularly impressive—they’ve claimed away victories over Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City in each of the last three campaigns.
Tuesday night marks a long-overdue renewal of this rare European rivalry, with Arsenal aiming to make history and Madrid looking to add another chapter to their rich continental legacy.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Arsenal – Team News
Bukayo Saka has confirmed he’s ready to start as Arsenal host Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates.
The England international returned to action last week after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring issue that had kept him out since December. He made an immediate impact off the bench, scoring against Everton after a brief appearance against Fulham earlier in the week.
When asked if he feels prepared to be in the starting XI against the Spanish giants, Saka responded confidently: “Yeah, but there is only one way to find out!”
Arsenal received no new injury setbacks from their weekend draw at Goodison Park. Mikel Merino, who suffered a head cut, has been cleared to play.
Ben White, meanwhile, got his first start since November and managed 60 minutes—another positive sign for Mikel Arteta, who may opt to include the versatile defender in Tuesday night’s lineup.
Arsenal have suffered a major blow ahead of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid, with Gabriel Magalhães ruled out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury.
His absence leaves Mikel Arteta with a defensive dilemma. Ben White could be drafted into the centre-back role alongside William Saliba, should the manager opt against fielding Jakub Kiwior in that position.
In midfield, Arsenal are expected to line up with Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and Thomas Partey. Both Ødegaard and Partey were named on the bench against Everton, but are likely to return to the starting XI for this high-stakes encounter.
Up front, Mikel Merino could once again lead the line, though Leandro Trossard is also in contention after scoring while starting in that role at Goodison Park over the weekend.
Arsenal – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeper – Raya
- Defenders – Ben White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly
- Midfielders – Odegaard, Partey, Rice
- Forwards – Saka, Merino, Martinelli
Real Madrid – Team News
Carlo Ancelotti heads into Tuesday night’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal grappling with a number of challenging selection dilemmas.
The Real Madrid boss boasts a solid personal record against the Gunners—seven wins from 13 meetings—but a growing injury list threatens to complicate his game plan at the Emirates Stadium.
All eyes will be on the goalkeeping situation. Thibaut Courtois, who has missed the last three fixtures due to a reported knee cyst, has been included in the travelling squad after returning to training. The Belgian’s absence was keenly felt in Madrid’s 2-1 weekend defeat to Valencia, which saw third-choice keeper Fran González handed a surprise start. The 19-year-old struggled to make an impact, failing to register a single save.
With Andriy Lunin also unavailable for that match, Courtois’ expected return could prove vital as Madrid aim to take control of the tie in London.
Meanwhile, Aurélien Tchouaméni will be forced to watch from the sidelines. The French midfielder is suspended after collecting his third yellow card of the tournament during Madrid’s round-of-16 win over Atlético.
Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive options are stretched thin heading into the first leg at the Emirates, with Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and Dani Ceballos all sidelined. The latter, who spent two seasons on loan with Arsenal between 2019 and 2021, misses out on what would have been a sentimental return to north London.
In midfield, the ever-reliable Luka Modrić—now 39—may once again be entrusted to dictate the tempo, offering composure and vision in a high-pressure environment.
Up front, Real Madrid’s firepower remains intact. Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, who have racked up a combined 51 goals this season, are expected to spearhead the attack. Jude Bellingham, one of Madrid’s standout performers this campaign, is also set to feature in what will be his first-ever appearance against Arsenal.
Real Madrid – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeper – Courtois
- Defenders – Valverde, Rudiger, Asencio, Fran
- Midfielders – Modric, Camavinga, Bellingham
- Forwards – Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Mbappe
Arsenal vs Real Madrid: Prediction
Despite Real Madrid’s dominant pedigree in Europe and their remarkable record against English clubs in recent years, Arsenal have been defensively resolute this season in the Champions League and will look to capitalise on home advantage.
Madrid’s injury-hit defence and potential goalkeeper uncertainty could give the Gunners an edge, especially with Bukayo Saka fit and key players like Ødegaard and Partey returning. However, the attacking firepower of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Jude Bellingham remains a constant threat.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Real Madrid
When and Where to Watch Arsenal vs Real Madrid Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quarter-finals first leg between Arsenal and Real Madrid will take place at the Emirates Stadium in London, England. The match is set for April 9 at 12:30 am IST. It will be broadcast live on the Sony Network and can be streamed online via Sony LIV.
Read More: Jose Mourinho Sparks Controversy with Nose Grab After Turkish Cup Defeat
FAQs
When did Arsenal last reach the Champions League semi-finals?
Arsenal last reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2009.
How many times have Arsenal and Real Madrid faced each other in the Champions League?
Arsenal and Real Madrid have met only twice before in the Champions League, with the Gunners winning the 2006 Round of 16 tie.
Who is injured for Arsenal ahead of the Real Madrid clash?
Arsenal will be without Gabriel Magalhães, Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu due to injuries.
Is Thibaut Courtois available for Real Madrid against Arsenal?
Thibaut Courtois has returned to training and is expected to start, despite recently struggling with a knee issue.
Who are the key players to watch in Arsenal vs Real Madrid?
Key players include Bukayo Saka, David Raya, and Martin Ødegaard for Arsenal; Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Jr. for Real Madrid.
