Arsenal and Real Madrid Clash in Champions League Quarterfinal

Arsenal and Real Madrid are preparing to face off in the Champions League for the first time in 19 years this Tuesday. Arsenal aims to recreate their historic 2006 victory when they progressed to their first Champions League final by defeating Real Madrid both at home and away. Thierry Henry`s goal at the Santiago Bernabeu was decisive, marking the first win for an English team on that ground and securing their place in the quarterfinals.

Almost two decades later, Arsenal is still considered the underdog. Despite potential lineup challenges, including the possible absence of key defender Gabriel Magalhaes and a senior center forward, scoring against a team like Real Madrid with Kylian Mbappe will be difficult. However, Bukayo Saka is expected to play, and Arsenal`s defense has been among the strongest in the Champions League this season.

Real Madrid`s journey to this stage has been more challenging. As defending champions, they overcame Manchester City and then Atletico Madrid in a penalty shootout in the previous rounds. Real Madrid has a reputation for winning even when not performing at their best, and their Champions League experience is undeniable. It remains to be seen if this experience will be enough to secure victory.

Viewing Information

• Date: Tuesday, April 8
• Time: 3 p.m. ET
• Location: Emirates Stadium — London
• Live stream: Paramount+
• Odds: Arsenal +125; Draw +220; Real Madrid +230

Last Meeting

While these teams have never played at the Emirates Stadium, their 2006 encounter was defined by Henry’s goal in Madrid. Equally crucial was Arsenal’s defensive resilience at Highbury, where Jens Lehmann made a key save against Raul, and Gilberto Silva denied Ronaldo. Arsenal will need a similar level of determination this time.

Road to the Quarterfinals

Real Madrid`s path to the quarterfinals has been eventful, including defeats in the group stage and tough knockout matches against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid. Jude Bellingham played a key role against Manchester City, while Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in another match. The Atletico Madrid tie was decided by a penalty shootout following a controversial incident.

Arsenal`s journey has been smoother, finishing third in their group and then comfortably defeating PSV Eindhoven in the round of 16 with a 7-1 away win and a subsequent 2-2 draw at home.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli

Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba; Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham; Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior

Player to Watch

Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid — Despite recent criticism and questions about his partnership with Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid`s manager remains confident in Vinicius`s ability to perform well in the upcoming match.

Storyline to Watch

Will the Emirates provide a home advantage? Arsenal has been working to create a strong home atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium. They haven`t lost a European home game since February 2020 and are encouraging fans to arrive early to boost the team`s energy and create an intimidating environment for Real Madrid.

Champions League Quarterfinal Schedule

Quarterfinal TV Schedule

All times U.S./Eastern