On April 16, 2025, Real Madrid will host Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid for the Champions League quarter-final second leg. The first leg ended in a shocking 3:0 victory for Arsenal, leaving Real Madrid with a daunting challenge ahead of them. Kickoff is set for 22:00 Moscow time.
For Real Madrid, this season has been a rollercoaster ride. While they have secured two trophies—the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup—their domestic and European campaigns have been less than stellar. Currently, they sit second in La Liga, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points. In the domestic cup, they have reached the final but face the daunting task of overcoming Barcelona, a team they have struggled against this season.
In the Champions League, the road has been rocky for the Spanish giants. They finished 11th in the group stage, forcing them to battle through the knockout rounds. Remarkably, they managed to defeat Manchester City 3:2 away and 3:1 at home, and they overcame Atletico Madrid with a 2:1 home win and a 1:1 draw away. However, their first encounter against Arsenal was a stark reminder of the challenges they face, as they succumbed to a 0:3 defeat.
Now, with the pressure mounting, coach Carlo Ancelotti knows his team must perform miracles to advance. "We have to score quickly and put Arsenal on the back foot," he stated in a recent press conference. Madrid's recent form has been shaky, with a narrow 1:0 victory against Alaves in their last league match, showcasing both resilience and the need for improvement.
On the other hand, Arsenal is riding high in both domestic and European competitions. The Gunners are poised to finish second in the Premier League for the third consecutive season, trailing Liverpool by 13 points. Despite this, they have maintained a solid lead over their closest rivals, ensuring a strong finish.
In the Champions League, Arsenal has been nothing short of spectacular. They finished third in their group, securing a direct qualification to the knockout stage. They faced PSV in the Round of 16, where they thrashed the Dutch side 7:1 in the first leg and drew 2:2 in the return match. The first leg against Real Madrid proved their mettle, with Declan Rice scoring a brace from free kicks, leading to a dominant 3:0 victory.
Historically, Real Madrid and Arsenal have met five times, with Arsenal winning three and the remaining two matches ending in draws. This record adds to the pressure on Real Madrid, who have never beaten Arsenal in their previous encounters.
As the teams prepare for the return leg, bookmakers are favoring Real Madrid, with odds of 1.70 for their victory. A win for Arsenal stands at 4.70, while a draw is priced at 4.40. Notably, a bet on Real Madrid advancing to the next round is available at odds of 6.20.
Real Madrid's recent home form has been promising, winning five of their last seven matches at the Bernabeu. They have also scored at least two goals in six of those games. However, they have conceded in 10 of their last 11 home matches, raising concerns about their defensive capabilities.
Arsenal, meanwhile, has shown consistency, going unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions. With key players like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz leading the charge, they are well-equipped to handle the pressure of playing at the Bernabeu.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the stakes couldn't be higher. Real Madrid needs to win by at least three goals to advance, a feat that seems daunting given their recent struggles. However, the magic of the Bernabeu is well-known, and the home crowd will undoubtedly rally behind their team.
Konstantin Genich, a prominent commentator and football expert, has weighed in on the match, predicting a scoreline of either 2:0 or 3:0 in favor of Real Madrid. He believes that the team has the potential to score two or three goals, emphasizing the importance of a quick start to unsettle Arsenal. "Real must strike early and force Arsenal to play defensively," he remarked.
With both teams having their strengths and weaknesses, fans can expect an electrifying encounter. Will Real Madrid rise to the occasion and pull off a stunning comeback, or will Arsenal maintain their dominance and secure a place in the semi-finals? The answer will unfold on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu.
As the tension builds, one thing is certain: this clash between two European giants promises to deliver drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. Fans around the world will be glued to their screens, eagerly anticipating the outcome of this high-stakes battle.
