As Real Madrid gear up for their crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal, the stakes couldn't be higher for manager Carlo Ancelotti and his squad. The match is set to kick off on April 16, 2025, at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where the Merengues will look to overturn a daunting 3-0 deficit from the first leg played at the Emirates Stadium.
In the lead-up to the match, speculation has swirled around the starting lineup Ancelotti might deploy. Reports indicated that the Italian tactician was contemplating a bold defensive reshuffle, potentially featuring Raul Asencio at right-back and David Alaba at left-back, with Aurelien Tchouameni and Antonio Rudiger as the center-back pairing. However, the latest updates suggest that Ancelotti will stick with a more traditional setup.
According to MARCA, Lucas Vazquez is set to retain his place at right-back, allowing Valverde to revert to his preferred midfield position. Alaba will also continue on the left flank despite facing challenges against Arsenal's Bukayo Saka in the first leg. The decision to keep the experienced duo of Rudiger and Asencio in central defense is seen as a strategy to bolster the backline for this high-stakes encounter.
Midfield will see Tchouameni partner Valverde and Jude Bellingham, while the attacking trio is expected to consist of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo. The only remaining question mark lies with Luka Modric, who may be chosen to strengthen the midfield at the expense of Rodrygo, but the focus remains on the players who must deliver a performance worthy of a comeback.
Real Madrid's recent form has been a mixed bag, but the urgency of the situation has ignited a sense of determination within the squad. Ancelotti's side is aware that they need to score at least three goals to level the aggregate score and push the match into extra time. The echoes of historic comebacks resonate in their minds, particularly the famous "La Remontada" against Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, when they overturned a 4-0 first-leg deficit.
Meanwhile, Arsenal approaches the match with confidence, having secured a commanding victory in the first leg. The Gunners, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, have been in impressive form, and their defensive solidity will be key to maintaining their aggregate lead. They will be without several key players, including Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Jorginho, but the return of Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Thomas Partey bolsters their lineup.
Arteta is expected to stick with the same formation that worked so well in the first leg, utilizing a 4-3-3 setup that features David Raya in goal, backed by Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, and Myles Lewis-Skelly in defense. The midfield trio of Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard will aim to control the game and provide support to the attacking trio of Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Mikel Merino.
As the match approaches, both teams are aware of the implications of this encounter. For Real Madrid, it’s about redemption and the chance to keep their Champions League hopes alive. For Arsenal, it’s about solidifying their place in the semifinals and proving their mettle against one of the tournament's most storied clubs.
Injuries and suspensions have played a significant role in shaping the lineups for both teams. Real Madrid will miss the services of Eduardo Camavinga, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the first leg, and they are also without Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Andriy Lunin, and Ferland Mendy due to injuries. On the other hand, Arsenal's injury woes see them missing key players, but their squad depth has allowed them to adapt and remain competitive.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, the atmosphere at the Bernabéu is expected to be electric. Fans will pack the stands, hoping to witness a historic comeback. The pressure is on Real Madrid to deliver a performance that lives up to their illustrious history in the Champions League, while Arsenal will be looking to execute their game plan and secure their place in the next round.
With so much at stake, every moment of this match will be crucial. Can Real Madrid pull off the impossible and turn the tide against Arsenal? Or will the Gunners continue their strong form and advance to the semifinals? The stage is set for a thrilling encounter.
