Real Madrid`s Champions League quarterfinal match against Arsenal is a crucial moment for both teams in their quest for silverware, although they approach the game from different positions.
The first leg is set to be held at Arsenal`s Emirates Stadium, giving the Gunners a chance to set the tone for a vital week at home. While Arsenal has shown more consistency in the Champions League, they face this tie with a sense of urgency. The Champions League represents their last opportunity to secure a trophy this season, but their past struggles to reach the semifinals highlight the difficulty of the challenge.
Arsenal vs. Real Madrid Starting Lineups
Arsenal: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba; Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham; Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior
The importance of this match is not lost on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who described it as the most significant game of his managerial career.
“Absolutely. The excitement within the club, among the fans – this is where we aspire to be, where Arsenal should consistently compete,” Arteta stated in his pre-match press conference. “This is why I entered football, why I chose management, and especially why I joined this club. It`s been two decades since we`ve had a game of this magnitude, and for us, it`s a fantastic opportunity to create our own history, which is precisely what we`re here to do.”
Arteta faces some selection decisions ahead of the game. Bukayo Saka is fit and available, but Arsenal will be without Gabriel due to a season-ending hamstring injury. His absence adds to Arsenal`s list of unavailable players, including Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, who are recovering from long-term injuries.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti faces the challenge of balancing his talented but sometimes inconsistent squad. Players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are expected to start, while Ancelotti needs to find solutions to cover for the absence of Dani Ceballos, who is injured, and Dani Carvajal, who is recovering from an ACL tear. Federico Valverde`s versatility offers Ancelotti several options.
“There`s a question about his position,” Ancelotti commented. “He excels in many roles, whether in the center or on the wing. I need to consider that.”
Match Details
- Date: April 8
- Location: Emirates Stadium, London
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Arsenal +125; Draw +220; Real Madrid +230
