The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals are officially upon us, featuring some of the most thrilling matchups in European football. The action kicks off today, April 8, 2025, with two high-stakes clashes: Arsenal hosting Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium and Bayern Munich taking on Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena. Both matches promise to be a showcase of talent, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of glory.
Arsenal, eager to secure their first-ever Champions League title, faces a formidable challenge against the reigning champions, Real Madrid. The Gunners come into this match with a boost, as star player Bukayo Saka has returned from injury. However, they will be without key defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who is sidelined for the season due to a hamstring tear. Historically, Arsenal has an impressive record in the first legs of quarterfinals, having not lost any of their last seven European Cup/Champions League quarterfinal first legs.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, the most successful club in Champions League history with 15 titles, is looking to assert their dominance once again. Despite their illustrious history, they have struggled in recent domestic matches, scoring only five goals in their last five away games and conceding eight in their last three outings against Leganes, Real Sociedad, and Valencia. Nevertheless, they are known for their resilience in the Champions League, having eliminated Atletico Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout in the Round of 16.
In the other clash of the day, Bayern Munich will host Inter Milan in what promises to be a tactical battle between two of Europe’s elite clubs. Bayern leads the Bundesliga and has scored an impressive 81 goals this season, second only to Barcelona in Europe’s top leagues. However, they face a tough opponent in Inter, who boasts the best defensive record in this year’s Champions League, having conceded just two goals across ten matches.
This match marks the 10th meeting between these two storied clubs in European competition, with Bayern winning five of the previous nine encounters. However, Inter has shown their mettle in the knockout stages, having eliminated Bayern in two previous Champions League encounters.
As the teams prepare for these crucial matches, the lineups reveal the stakes involved. Arsenal is set to field a strong squad with Raya in goal, supported by Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, and Lewis-Skelly in defense. The midfield will feature Odegaard, Partey, and Rice, while Saka, Merino, and Martinelli will lead the attack. On the other hand, Real Madrid will rely on Courtois in goal, with a formidable lineup including Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Bellingham.
Bayern Munich, despite injuries to key players like Manuel Neuer and Alphonso Davies, will look to capitalize on their home advantage with Urbig in goal, backed by Guerreiro, Kim, Dier, and Laimer. The midfield will be orchestrated by Kimmich and Goretzka, while the attacking trio will feature Müller, Olise, and Kane. Inter Milan will counter with Sommer in goal, and a solid defensive setup including Bastoni and Pavard, supported by a midfield featuring Barella and Çalhanoğlu, and a forward line led by Thuram and Lautaro Martinez.
With both matches kicking off at 3 PM ET, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as the teams vie for a critical advantage in the first leg of the quarterfinals. The stakes are high, and every moment counts as these clubs aim to cement their legacies in the Champions League.
As the quarterfinals progress, all eyes will be on these iconic clubs, each with their unique strengths and strategies. Arsenal’s quest for glory, Real Madrid’s pursuit of history, Bayern Munich’s attacking prowess, and Inter Milan’s defensive solidity promise to deliver a memorable night of football.
As the matches unfold, the excitement and tension will build, with fans eagerly anticipating which teams will take the first step towards the semifinals. Will Arsenal capitalize on their home advantage against Real Madrid? Can Bayern overcome their injury woes to defeat Inter? The answers will begin to unfold today, setting the stage for an unforgettable UEFA Champions League quarterfinal.
