The Champions League returns with a bang on Tuesday as Arsenal host Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
While Arsenal’s journey to this stage has been impressive, Real Madrid come into the tie as the perennial European powerhouse, with a rich history of success in the competition.
Arsenal’s Road to the Quarter-Final:
Mikel Arteta’s side have been in scintillating form in the Champions League, particularly in the last-16, where they produced a stunning 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven in the first leg. Despite a more subdued 2-2 draw in the return leg, Arsenal advanced with ease.
However, their form in the Premier League has faltered, with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Everton over the weekend further denting their title hopes.
Despite these domestic setbacks, Arteta has made it clear that the focus is now firmly on Real Madrid, and his team will look to continue their impressive unbeaten run across all competitions, which stands at seven games.
At home, the Gunners boast a strong Champions League record, having avoided defeat in their last 10 games at the Emirates, securing eight clean sheets during this run.
Real Madrid’s Champions League Pedigree:
For Real Madrid, the Champions League is a competition they practically own, having won it an unprecedented 15 times.
Despite being pushed to the brink by Atletico Madrid in the last-16, where they needed penalties to advance, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are always a force to be reckoned with in Europe.
Madrid’s form has been mixed domestically, suffering a surprise 2-1 defeat to Valencia after being rocked by a 4-1 loss to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final.
However, their pedigree in this competition is undeniable, as they have not been knocked out in the quarter-finals since the 2003-04 season.
Key Battles and Tactics:
This tie promises to be a tactical battle, with Arteta’s possession-based style coming up against Ancelotti’s efficient counter-attacking football. Arsenal’s ability to press high up the pitch and retain possession will be key to breaking down Madrid’s defense.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will look to exploit any spaces left open by Arsenal’s attacking ventures, with the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Mbappe posing constant threats on the counter.
Arsenal will need their attacking trio of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Mikel Merino to step up, especially with key absentees in
Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s own star power in the form of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Mbappe will likely be the focal point of their attack.
Team News:
Arsenal will be without Gabriel Jesus (knee), Kai Havertz (hamstring), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), and Gabriel Magalhaes (hamstring), while Riccardo Calafiori and Raheem Sterling are also sidelined.
However, Arteta is expected to field a strong lineup, with Martin Ødegaard and Thomas Partey pulling the strings in midfield, and Saka and Merino providing width and attacking menace.
Real Madrid’s injury list is also significant, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Ceballos all unavailable. However, key players such as Thibaut Courtois, Antonio Rudiger, and Vinicius Jr. are all fit to feature.
Possible line ups:
Arsenal:Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Saka, Merino, Martinelli
Real Madrid:Courtois, Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba, Valverde, Camavinga, Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Mbappe
