The Champions League quarterfinal match between Real Madrid and Arsenal is a crucial moment for both teams in their quest for trophies. Despite their different recent form, both teams are eager to advance.
The first leg will be held at Arsenal`s Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. Arsenal, while showing more consistency in the Champions League this season, faces pressure as this competition represents their last chance for silverware this year. Their long wait to reach the semifinals, nearly two decades, highlights the difficulty of the challenge.
Arsenal vs. Real Madrid Predicted 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
This match is incredibly important for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who described it as the most significant game of his managerial career.
“Absolutely. The excitement around the club and among the fans is palpable. This is exactly where Arsenal should be, competing at this high level consistently,” Arteta stated before the match. “It`s been 20 years since Arsenal has played a game of this magnitude in the Champions League, and we see it as a fantastic opportunity to create our own history. That`s why we`re here.”
Arteta has some key decisions to make regarding his starting lineup. While Bukayo Saka is fit and available, Arsenal will miss Gabriel due to a serious hamstring injury. Gabriel`s absence adds to a list of unavailable players, including Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, who are still recovering from injuries sustained earlier in the season.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti faces the challenge of balancing his talented squad. Star players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are expected to start. Ancelotti is also working to compensate for the absence of Dani Ceballos, who is injured, and Dani Carvajal, who is recovering from a knee injury. Federico Valverde`s versatility provides Ancelotti with multiple options.
Ancelotti commented on Valverde`s role, saying, “There`s a question mark about his position. He is capable of playing in several roles, centrally or on the wing. I need to consider the best option.”
These are the anticipated lineups for the Champions League match between Arsenal and Real Madrid.
How to Watch Arsenal vs. Real Madrid
- Date: Tuesday, April 8
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Emirates Stadium, London
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Arsenal +125; Draw +220; Real Madrid +230
