3 talking points ahead of Arsenal vs Real Madrid

Arsenal host Real Madrid on Tuesday night for the first leg of their blockbuster Champions League quarter-final tie.

The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton last time out as they bid their own farewell to Goodison Park in a frustrating way. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring for his side with a well-taken finish but a controversial penalty that was converted by Iliman Ndiaye meant the points were shared.

As Arsenal look to secure what will be an underdog victory in order to take control of the tie, there are three key talking points ahead of their first leg meeting with Real Madrid.

1. A season-defining tie

Despite Liverpool's recent dip in form, the Premier League title race is still very much decided, and that leaves the Champions League as Arsenal's only chance of winning a trophy. For that reason, this will be a season-defining tie.

A win in the first leg is absolutely crucial for the Gunners as it will allow them to take control of the quarter-final before having to make the nerve-wracking trip to the Santiago Bernabeu. If they want any hope of progressing to the competition's final four, Arsenal really have to be taking an advantage to Madrid.

While the campaign hasn't been completely disastrous, you can't help but feel the difference between success and failure relies on the outcome of this game. Arsenal have not won a trophy in almost five years and with many feeling now is the point to be winning silverware, their match against Madrid is season-defining but also a major statement of intent from Mikel Arteta and his side.

If the Gunners lose this first leg, it is likely another season ends trophyless but if they win, their hopes are very much still alive.

Continued on next slide...