Arsenal and Real Madrid are preparing to play each other in the Champions League for the first time in 19 years. The Gunners are aiming to repeat their historic victory from 2006. Back then, on their path to their first Champions League final, Arsene Wenger`s Arsenal team defeated Real Madrid, keeping a clean sheet both at home and away. Thierry Henry`s winning goal at the Santiago Bernabeu not only secured the first win for an English team on that ground but also propelled Arsenal into the quarter-finals.
Almost twenty years later, Arsenal is still considered the underdog. Although they might not be at their strongest, particularly missing key defender Gabriel Magalhaes and a senior center forward, scoring goals against a team like Real Madrid, especially with players like Kylian Mbappe, could be difficult. However, Bukayo Saka is back in the team, and Arsenal`s defense has been among the strongest in the Champions League this season.
However, Arsenal`s defense hasn`t faced challenges quite like those Madrid has overcome. The current champions defeated Manchester City in the previous round and then Atletico Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout in the round of 16. Real Madrid seems to have rediscovered their winning form, capable of winning even when not playing at their best. Their history in this competition is undeniable. Will this experience be decisive?
Viewing information
- Date: Tuesday, April 8
- Location: Emirates Stadium — London
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Arsenal +125; Draw +220; Real Madrid +230
Last meeting
These two teams have never played at the Emirates Stadium. While the 2006 match was defined by Henry`s famous goal in Madrid, Arsenal`s strong defense at Highbury in the return leg was arguably more crucial. Jens Lehmann made a notable save against Raul, and Gilberto Silva made a vital tackle to stop Ronaldo. The current Arsenal team could certainly benefit from that same fighting spirit.
Road to the quarterfinals
Real Madrid`s journey to the quarter-finals has been dramatic. Despite losses to Lille, AC Milan, and Liverpool, which relegated the titleholders to the knockout playoffs, a strong performance by Jude Bellingham helped them beat Manchester City in the first leg. The second leg was more straightforward, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick. Against Atletico Madrid, the tie was decided by penalties after Conor Gallagher`s early goal in the second leg equalized the aggregate score, leading to controversy over a Julian Alvarez penalty.
Arsenal`s path to the quarter-finals has been smoother. Their only defeat in the group stage was against Inter, finishing third and advancing to the last 16. There, they comfortably defeated PSV Eindhoven 7-1 away, followed by a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
Predicted lineups
Arsenal: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba; Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham; Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior
Player to watch
Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid — After missing a penalty in a defeat to Valencia, Vinicius is again under scrutiny, with questions about his compatibility with Kylian Mbappe. However, his manager seems unconcerned.
`I haven`t spoken to him,` Ancelotti said. `I don`t need to. He could have played better at the weekend, but I don`t need to discuss it. He`s young and will perform well tomorrow.`
Storyline to watch
Will the Emirates provide a home advantage? — Arsenal has worked hard to turn their home ground into a fortress. They haven`t lost a European match at home since February 2020. Efforts are being made to boost the atmosphere, and coach Arteta wants the fans to be their `57,000 reinforcements`.
`I encourage fans to come early for the warm-up and help create those special nights at the Emirates Stadium,` he said. `We need to build moments with our fans. We must create energy, belief, and enthusiasm for every moment of the game. The confidence that gives you is irreplaceable and I constantly remind the players to maintain it throughout the 95 minutes.`
Champions League quarterfinal schedule
Quarterfinal TV schedule
All times U.S./Eastern
| TUESDAY, APRIL 8 | TIME | HOW TO WATCH |
| UEFA Champions League Today pre-match | 1:30 p.m. | Paramount+; CBS Sports Golazo Network from 1:45 p.m. |
| The Golazo Show | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Bayern Munich vs. Inter | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Arsenal vs. Real Madrid | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Champions League Today post-match | 5 p.m. | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
| The Champions Club | 5 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
| Scoreline | 7 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 | TIME | HOW TO WATCH |
| UEFA Champions League Today pre-match | 2 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| The Golazo Show | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Champions League Today post-match | 5 p.m. | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
| The Champions Club | 5 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
| Scoreline | 7 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
