Real Madrid faces an immense challenge on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, as they host Arsenal in the return leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Following a heavy 3-0 defeat last week, Carlo Ancelotti's men must regroup at the Santiago Bernabeu. Can Real Madrid turn the tide against Arsenal in this thrilling Champions League showdown?
With their backs against the wall, the Merengues have no choice but to attack from the get-go. To have any hope of advancing, they need to score at least four goals—an uphill battle given the strength Arsenal displayed in the first leg. Kylian Mbappé and his teammates were largely ineffective in London, but they must find their rhythm quickly if they want to stage a comeback.
Statistically, Real Madrid's chances of qualifying are slim, standing at just 4% after their disappointing performance at the Emirates Stadium. Historically, the club has managed to overturn a three-goal deficit in European competitions three times, including once in the Champions League on November 5, 1975, against Derby County. After losing 4-1 in the first leg, the team triumphed 5-1 at home. They also achieved similar feats in the UEFA Cup in 1984 and 1985, defeating Anderlecht 6-1 and Borussia Mönchengladbach 4-0, respectively, after losing the first legs by three goals. However, such comebacks have become rare in recent years, with opponents often finding themselves in that precarious position.
As for the lineup, Ancelotti is expected to make significant changes, particularly in midfield. Aurélien Tchouaméni is set to start after serving a suspension, while Eduardo Camavinga will miss the match due to his own suspension. Federico Valverde may push forward into a more advanced role, providing energy and creativity, while Lucas Vazquez is likely to start as the right-back. The starting eleven for Real Madrid could look like this: Courtois in goal; Vazquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, and either Fran Garcia or Alaba in defense; Valverde, Tchouaméni, and Bellingham in midfield; and a front three of Rodrygo, Mbappé, and Vinicius.
On the other side, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is likely to field the same starting eleven that performed so well in the first leg. Key players like Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, and Mikel Merino were instrumental in their victory, and they will be looking to replicate that success in Madrid.
Declan Rice, who scored twice from direct free kicks in the first leg, has been a standout performer for the Gunners. His ability to dictate play from midfield will be crucial as Arsenal aims to secure a spot in the semi-finals for the first time since the 2008-2009 season. The Gunners will be eager to silence the Bernabeu crowd and maintain their momentum.
François Letexier, a French referee, will oversee the match, with Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni as assistants. Stéphanie Frappart will serve as the fourth official, while Jérôme Brisard and Bastien Decehepy will handle video assistance. The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu is expected to be electric, with fans hoping for a memorable night of Champions League football.
The match is set to kick off at 9 p.m. local time and will be broadcast live on Canal+. Fans can catch all the action through the Canal+ & Pass Coupes d’Europe subscription, which offers access to all UEFA Champions League matches, as well as other top sporting events.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the stakes couldn't be higher for Real Madrid. They must not only win but do so convincingly to keep their Champions League dreams alive. Can they deliver a performance worthy of their storied history? Or will Arsenal continue their quest for glory and silence the Bernabeu? Only time will tell as these two giants of European football clash once more.
