Arsenal will host Real Madrid for the first time in 19 years when the two sides clash in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. This highly anticipated matchup is set to kick off at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET), promising to be a thrilling encounter between two European giants.
The Gunners have been impressive in their European campaign this season, suffering only one loss as they cruised to the quarterfinals after defeating PSV Eindhoven 9–3 on aggregate in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, the 15-time Champions League winners, advanced after eliminating Manchester City in the knockout phase playoffs and then needing a dramatic penalty shootout to get past Atlético Madrid in the previous round.
As both teams prepare for this crucial fixture, Arsenal will be boosted by the return of star winger Bukayo Saka, who has recovered from a hamstring injury. However, they will be without several key players, including Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and the suspended Raheem Sterling. On the other hand, Real Madrid will be missing Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, Andriy Lunin, Éder Militão, and Dani Carvajal due to injuries, while Aurélien Tchouaméni is suspended after accumulating yellow cards.
Both sides have faced their share of challenges in recent matches. Arsenal drew 1-1 with Everton in their last outing, but Liverpool's defeat to Fulham allowed them to maintain their position in the Premier League. Real Madrid, however, suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Valencia in La Liga, which has left them four points behind Barcelona at the top of the table.
In terms of predicted lineups, Arsenal is expected to field David Raya in goal, with a backline consisting of Thomas Partey, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, and Myles Lewis-Skelly. The midfield will feature Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino, and Declan Rice, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are likely to start on the wings, supporting striker Mikel Merino.
For Real Madrid, Thibaut Courtois is set to return to the starting XI after missing recent matches due to injury. The defense will include Fede Valverde, Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba. Midfield will see Luka Modrić paired with Eduardo Camavinga, while the attacking trio will feature Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé leading the line.
This match marks a significant moment in the history of both clubs, as it is their first competitive meeting since 2006, when Arsenal famously defeated Real Madrid in the round of 16. The stakes are high for both teams, with Arsenal aiming to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2009, while Real Madrid seeks to extend their impressive record in the competition.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has emphasized the importance of creating a special atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium, urging fans to support the team passionately. "At these stages, you need your home stadium to create a very, very special atmosphere to generate momentum. So, let's go. I encourage everybody to go there tomorrow to play the game with us," he stated.
Real Madrid's coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the challenge posed by Arsenal, praising their set-piece strength. "Arsenal is very strong and powerful from set pieces. We’ll try to defend as best we can, but we can also hurt the other team from set pieces. It’s a very important aspect of the game," Ancelotti commented.
Looking at the historical context, Arsenal has a mixed record against Spanish teams in Europe, having won just one of their last eight home games in knockout stages of the Champions League. However, they have shown resilience at home, leading for longer than any other team in Champions League matches this season.
On the other hand, Real Madrid has not lost the first leg in any of their last eight knockout stage ties, showcasing their experience and pedigree in high-pressure situations. They have also scored a remarkable number of goals in this year's competition, with 13 different scorers contributing to their tally.
As the teams prepare to take the field, fans can expect an electric atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium, with both sides eager to gain an advantage heading into the second leg. The match will be officiated by Irfan Peljto, who has a reputation for being decisive in key moments, having awarded penalties in five of his six Champions League matches this season.
With both teams fielding talented squads and a wealth of attacking options, this clash promises to be an entertaining spectacle. Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, who has been involved in 14 goals in 14 Champions League appearances, will look to exploit Real Madrid's defensive vulnerabilities, while the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior will be eager to showcase their talents for the visitors.
As the first leg unfolds, the stakes are high, and the outcome will set the tone for the return leg in Madrid. Will Arsenal secure a vital home victory, or will Real Madrid capitalize on their experience to take a lead into the second leg? Fans around the world will be watching closely as these two storied clubs battle for a place in the semifinals of the Champions League.
