Arsenal v Real Madrid: UCL Quarter-Final Preview

Champions League Quarter-Final, Leg 1 | Tuesday, 19:00 UTC | Emirates Stadium

The Emirates plays host to one of the most intriguing quarter-final ties in recent Champions League memory as Arsenal take on European royalty Real Madrid in the first leg.

Gunners Aim to Shine on European Stage

With their Premier League title hopes fading fast following a 1-1 draw at Everton on Saturday, Arsenal’s clearest shot at silverware this season now lies in Europe. The Gunners were ruthless in the Round of 16, thrashing PSV 9-3 on aggregate and showcasing a level of intensity that’s been reserved for the Champions League this term.

Mikel Arteta’s side return to North London knowing they’ll need a big performance against one of Europe’s most experienced and dangerous outfits. Real Madrid are no strangers to high-stakes knockout ties and despite stumbling past Atletico Madrid via penalties last round, they remain a massive test for this young Arsenal side.

Real Madrid Not at Their Best

Madrid come into this off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Valencia in La Liga – not ideal preparation for a team with ambitions of defending their European crown. Carlo Ancelotti’s men were pushed to the edge by Atletico, and while they’ve been inconsistent domestically, their Champions League know-how is unmatched.

Bookies Lean Slightly Towards Arsenal

Arsenal are priced at 2.36 with Instant Casino to win the first leg – perhaps a nod to their form at home and Madrid’s recent wobble. Los Blancos are 3.15 outsiders, while the draw is available at 3.25.

Recent History & Key Players

This will be the first meeting between the clubs since 2006, when Thierry Henry’s famous goal sent Arsenal through in the Last 16. Bukayo Saka is likely to start and is 2.00 to score or assist (Instant Casino). Meanwhile, Rodrygo has averaged 1.37 shots on target per UCL game this season – he’s 2.12 to hit the target at least once.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
Real Madrid: Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe

Stephen’s Betting Angle

First legs often lean cagey, but this could be an exception. Both teams have scored in 5 of Arsenal’s last 6 UCL and domestic games, and the same is true for 8 of Madrid’s 12 European outings this season.