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Arsenal are aiming to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009 when they take on Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
The Gunners have a sizeable 3-0 lead to protect in the second leg of their quarter-final, but this flawed Madrid team, one that folded in the second half at the Emirates last week, cannot be ruled out until the full-time whistle has blown. They've got a knack for producing sparkling comebacks in this competition.
Last Tuesday's triumph was perhaps one of the grandest occasions in N5 since the club moved homes. Mikel Arteta's men were superb throughout, but another heroic effort is required on Wednesday.
Brentford's Premier League visit was laughably forgettable off the back of Tuesday's magic, with a 1-1 draw leaving the Gunners 13 points behind league leaders Liverpool with just six games to play. We've all known this for some time, but it's the Champions League or bust down the stretch.
Madrid, meanwhile, are still gunning for La Liga, and their 1-0 win at Deportivo Alaves at the weekend means their gap to a seemingly unbeatable Barcelona remains four points. The competition's holders are in need of a mini miracle on home soil to overturn a 3-0 deficit, with Carlo Ancelotti's side proving time and time again that this is no outstanding iteration of Los Blancos despite their array of superstars.
Here's our preview of Real Madrid vs Arsenal in the Champions League.
Real Madrid vs Arsenal: Preview, Prediction & Lineups
What time does Real Madrid vs Arsenal kick off?
Real Madrid vs Arsenal kicks off on Wednesday 16 April at 20:00 BST.
- When is kick off? Wednesday 16 April, 2025
- What time is kick off? 20:00 BST
- Where is it played? Santiago Bernabeu Madrid
- Referee: François Letexier (FRA)
Real Madrid vs Arsenal head-to-head record (all games)
Date | Result | Competitions |
|---|---|---|
8 April 2025 | Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid | Champions League |
8 March 2006 | Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid | Champions League |
21 February 2006 | Real Madrid 0-1 Arsenal | Champions League |
How to watch Real Madrid vs Arsenal on TV
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | discovery+, discovery+ App, TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate |
United States | Paramount+, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN App, TUDN USA, Univision |
Canada | DAZN Canada |
Real Madrid team news
Eduardo Camavinga is suspended for the second leg, but Madrid do have Aurelien Tchouameni available after he missed the trip to north London. The Frenchman will either partner Luka Modric or Federico Valverde in midfield. Former Gunner Dani Ceballos is also an option for Ancelotti after he recovered from injury.
If Valverde starts in midfield, Lucas Vazquez will retain his place at right-back from the weekend's win at Alaves. David Alaba or Fran Garcia are the likely contenders to start at left-back with Ferland Mendy still out.
Kylian Mbappe is available despite his dismissal at the weekend. He'll start up top for the hosts.
Predicted Real Madrid lineup vs Arsenal: Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Mbappe.
Arsenal team news
Rotation was in order at the weekend, and Arteta could name the same starting XI from last week's first leg triumph.
The boss has confirmed that Thomas Partey will be fit for Wednesday's game after he picked up a "niggle" against Brentford. Rice and Martin Odegaard will accompany him in the middle of the park.
Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino are to return to the frontline alongside Gabriel Martinelli, while Jakub Kiwior will retain his place at centre-back in Gabriel's absence. Kai Havertz could yet feature before the season's out, but he's still sidelined, along with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, and Riccardo Calafiori.
Ben White is fit, but Jorginho hasn't travelled.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Real Madrid: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.
Real Madrid vs Arsenal prediction
The neutral is desperate for a Madrid comeback, and much has been made in the Spanish media of Los Blancos' determination to pull off the unlikely.
They certainly cannot be written off, and a goal in the opening stages will doubtlessly force Arsenal into a state Arteta would've been keen to avoid. However, I just think Madrid's flaws will rear their ugly head again on Wednesday. Arsenal, if they're brave and bold enough, could continue their unbeaten run against the Spanish giants.
There's nothing to fear.