Real Madrid vs. Arsenal: Champions League Second Leg Preview

Following their dominant 3-0 victory in the first leg, Arsenal must remain focused as they travel to Madrid for the second leg. Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, are known for their resilience and will believe they can overturn the deficit, even without Eduardo Camavinga. The Champions League has a history of dramatic comebacks.

In the first leg, Real Madrid only managed three shots on target, while Declan Rice scored twice with impressive free kicks. Despite the challenge, Real Madrid cannot afford to play with fear if they hope to progress. While Real Madrid has shown comeback ability in the past, overcoming Arsenal`s strong defense in this instance may be too difficult. Real Madrid`s recent form has been inconsistent, with only two wins in their last five matches across all competitions, putting pressure on their La Liga and Champions League aspirations.

Here`s a look at the key storylines and how to follow the match:

How to Watch Real Madrid vs. Arsenal, and Betting 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 in the first leg against Arsenal, but momentum shifted after Rice`s stunning free kick. Arsenal`s defense effectively contained Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. Rice added another impressive goal, and Mikel Merino further extended Arsenal`s lead. Camavinga`s red card means he will be absent for Real Madrid in this second leg, adding to the changes expected after their heavy first-leg defeat.

Key Matchup

Kylian Mbappe to have 3+ shots on target (+110): This match is crucial for Mbappe`s legacy. Real Madrid needs to give everything, placing the spotlight on Mbappe. Signed to elevate Real Madrid in Europe, his integration into the attack has sometimes disrupted the team`s balance. A defining performance from Mbappe is likely necessary for a Real Madrid victory.

What`s at Stake

Legacies. Arsenal are aiming for their first Champions League title and are close to overcoming Real Madrid, a historical powerhouse in the competition. For Arsenal, who have been close to Premier League success under Mikel Arteta, this is a chance to prove their return to the top of European football. Advancing past Real Madrid could position Arsenal as a favorite to win the Champions League, even with Paris Saint-Germain potentially awaiting them. For Real Madrid and Ancelotti, with speculation around his future, securing another Champions League title would be the ideal way to conclude the season and potentially his tenure. Winning consecutive Champions League titles is a significant challenge, but Real Madrid has the pedigree to achieve it.

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 has effectively prepared replacements. Kiwior stepped into central defense and performed well in the first leg. Repeating that performance at the Santiago Bernabeu is a different test. If Kiwior plays as he did in the first leg, Arsenal`s chances of advancing are high; otherwise, it could be a tense match.

Storyline to Watch

Who scores the first goal? The first goal is critical in this match. An early Real Madrid goal could create doubt for Arsenal. Conversely, an Arsenal goal would make Real Madrid`s task of overcoming a four-goal deficit even harder. Historically, teams have overcome three-goal deficits in the Champions League, but a four-goal comeback would be unprecedented. Arsenal will be confident that scoring once will 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 this Arsenal defense is a significant challenge. Arsenal have not conceded three goals in a game this season. Real Madrid themselves have struggled to keep clean sheets, suggesting they might need four goals to even reach extra time. While Arsenal have shown vulnerability in high-pressure situations in the past, this season feels different. With key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard healthy, Arsenal should secure a result to advance past Real Madrid, despite a potential away defeat. Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Arsenal 1

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