After a dominant 3-0 victory in the first leg against Real Madrid, Arsenal cannot afford to be complacent as they head to Madrid for the second leg. Despite a three-goal deficit and without Eduardo Camavinga, Carlo Ancelotti`s Real Madrid remains confident in their ability to stage a comeback.
Real Madrid only managed three shots on target in the first leg, while Declan Rice scored two free kicks. However, entering the match with fear would be detrimental for Los Blancos. Despite past comebacks from Madrid, overcoming Arsenal`s strong defense in this instance presents a significant challenge. Madrid`s recent form has been inconsistent, failing to win three of their last five matches across all competitions, jeopardizing their La Liga and Champions League aspirations.
How to watch Real Madrid vs. Arsenal, Odds
- Date: Wednesday, April 16
- Location: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu — Madrid, Spain
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Real Madrid -140; Draw +300; Arsenal +340
First leg recap
Real Madrid had early opportunities against Arsenal in the first leg, but the momentum shifted after Rice scored a fantastic free kick. Arsenal`s defense effectively neutralized Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. Rice then added another goal, and Mikel Merino further extended Arsenal`s lead. Camavinga`s red card means he will miss the second leg, adding to Madrid`s challenges after their heavy first-leg defeat.
Best bets
Kylian Mbappe to have 3+ shots on target (+110): This game is crucial for Mbappe`s legacy at Real Madrid. Regardless of the overall outcome, Madrid will aim to give their best performance, with Mbappe at the center of attention. Brought in to elevate Real Madrid, integrating him into the attack has presented some balance issues. For Real Madrid to win, Mbappe needs to deliver a defining performance.
What’s at stake
Legacies: Arsenal, never having won the Champions League, are on the verge of overcoming Real Madrid, a historically dominant team in the competition. For Arsenal, who have been close to Premier League titles under Mikel Arteta, this is a vital opportunity to prove their return to the top echelon of world football. Defeating Real Madrid could position Arsenal as a favorite to win the Champions League, even with Paris Saint-Germain potentially awaiting in the next round. For Real Madrid and Ancelotti, with speculation surrounding his future, securing back-to-back Champions League titles would be the ultimate achievement, solidifying his legacy if this is his final season.
Predicted lineups
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Francisco Garcia, Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe
Arsenal: David Raya, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jakub Kiwior, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka
Player to watch
Jakub Kiwior, Arsenal: Gabriel`s injury raised concerns about Arsenal`s defense, but Arteta`s preparations ensured a seamless transition. Kiwior stepped into central defense and performed impressively in the first leg. Repeating that performance at the Santiago Bernabeu will be crucial. If Kiwior plays as well as he did in the first leg, Arsenal is likely to advance.
Storyline to watch
Who scores the first goal? The first goal is paramount in this match. An early Real Madrid goal could trigger doubts in Arsenal`s minds. Conversely, an Arsenal goal would make Madrid`s task of overcoming a four-goal deficit even more daunting. While three-goal comebacks have happened in the Champions League, a four-goal comeback is unprecedented. Arsenal should feel confident that scoring once would likely secure their progression, requiring Real Madrid to score four just to force extra time.
Prediction
Real Madrid, led by Mbappe, will pressure Arsenal, but scoring three goals against the Gunners is a difficult task. Arsenal has not conceded three goals in any game this season. Real Madrid`s recent defensive record suggests they would need four goals to even have a chance at extra time. Arsenal, despite past instances of faltering under pressure, have shown resilience this season.
With Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard healthy, Arsenal is a formidable team and should secure a significant result, advancing past Real Madrid despite a potential away defeat. Pick: Real Madrid 2, Arsenal 1
Benedict Kingsley