Real Madrid is set to host Arsenal at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash. After suffering a heavy defeat in the first leg with a score of 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Spanish giants as they aim to mount a remarkable comeback to keep their hopes of securing a record 16th Champions League title alive.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 (Brasília time) and will be broadcast exclusively on Max, the streaming platform. Fans around the globe will be tuning in to see if Real Madrid can overturn the deficit against a confident Arsenal side that has the upper hand.
In order to advance to the semi-finals, Real Madrid must win by at least three goals. A victory by this margin would force the match into extra time, while a win by two goals would see Arsenal progress due to their aggregate lead. The Gunners, managed by Mikel Arteta, are well aware of their advantageous position and will look to defend their lead effectively.
Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti has a challenging task ahead. The probable lineup for Los Blancos includes goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, with a defensive line potentially featuring Federico Valverde, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, and Fran García, although David Alaba could make a return. The midfield is expected to comprise Aurelien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, and Luka Modric, while the attacking trio might consist of Rodrygo, Vinicius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé. Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments will be crucial in finding the right balance between offense and defense.
On the other hand, Arsenal’s lineup is likely to feature David Raya in goal, supported by a back four of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, and Lewis-Skelly. In midfield, Declan Rice, Thomas Partey (who may be replaced by Jorginho), and Martin Ødegaard are expected to control the pace of the game. The attacking front will likely include Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Mikel Merino, all of whom have been instrumental in Arsenal’s success this season.
The referee for this high-stakes encounter will be François Letexier from France, with Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni serving as assistants. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be Jérôme Brisard, ensuring that the match is officiated with the utmost accuracy.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal clash, the atmosphere at the Bernabéu is expected to be electric. Real Madrid fans will be hoping for a display of resilience and skill from their players, while Arsenal supporters will be eager to see their team maintain their composure and edge closer to a semi-final showdown against Paris Saint-Germain—who eliminated Aston Villa in the previous round.
This match not only represents a chance for Real Madrid to redeem themselves after a disappointing first leg but also highlights the intense competition in the Champions League. With the stakes so high, every moment will be crucial, and both teams will need to bring their best performance to the pitch.
The Champions League is renowned for its unpredictability, and football fans around the world will be watching closely as the drama unfolds at the Santiago Bernabéu. Will Real Madrid be able to rise to the occasion and turn the tide in their favor, or will Arsenal continue their impressive run and secure a place in the next round? Only time will tell as the match kicks off later today.
