On Tuesday, the Arsenal faces Real Madrid at the Emirates in a Champions League quarter-final first-leg. This is a big one for Arsenal, according to Mikel Arteta, who has described it as one of the biggest games at the stadium in nearly 20 years. Both teams have different narratives, but the stakes are the same: they want to take a step to the semis.
Arsenal
Arsenal comes into this game with momentum after resting key players in the 1-1 draw against Everton in the league. With the league title out of reach, Arteta has shifted focus to the Champions League, and this is the top priority. Arsenal are unbeaten at home in the competition and has shown defensive solidity; they have held the lead longer than any other team in the tournament.
Bukayo Saka’s return from injury is a big boost for the Gunners. Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, and Gabriel Martinelli will return to the starting XI after being rested. The defensive setup is a talking point. Jakub Kiwior is staking his claim alongside William Saliba after a good game against Everton.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Odegaard, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid come into this game after a narrow Copa del Rey semi-final win over Real Sociedad but lost 2-1 to Valencia in the league at the weekend. Carlo Ancelotti’s side has shown vulnerabilities recently, but they are still dangerous in Europe. However, injuries and suspensions have disrupted their preparations.
Thibaut Courtois is expected to start in goal despite fitness concerns, Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended, and Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy are out injured. The attack will rely on Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, who will look to exploit Arsenal’s defence.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Courtois; Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Valverde, Modric, Bellingham; Vinicius Jr., Mbappe.
Key Stats
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Arsenal are unbeaten at home in the Champions League this season.
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Real Madrid have not been eliminated at the quarter-final stage since 2003/04.
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Arsenal have held their lead longer than any other team in this season’s competition (568 minutes).
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Real Madrid have won only two of their last five games across all competitions.
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Bukayo Saka is set to make his first Champions League start since returning from injury.
Player to Watch: Bukayo Saka
Saka’s return is timely for Arsenal. He’s known for his creativity and ability to deliver in big moments, he’ll be key against Real Madrid’s experienced backline. With 9 goals and 11 assists this season across all competitions, Saka will look to make his mark on one of the biggest nights of his career.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid Prediction
This will be a tight game between two big teams. Real Madrid’s experience makes them a tough opponent, but Arsenal’s home form and tactical discipline under Arteta should give them the edge in the first leg.
Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
Arsenal vs Real Madrid Live Stream
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