Preview: Arsenal vs Real Madrid in UCL Quarterfinal

On April 8, Arsenal will host Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash. This matchup pits Mikel Arteta’s Gunners against Carlo Ancelotti’s defending champions and UCL titans, Real Madrid. With both teams facing injury challenges and fluctuating form, this tie could be a closer contest than initially thought.

This is Arsenal’s second consecutive season reaching the Champions League quarterfinals, a feat last achieved in the 2009-10 campaign. Last year, they fell narrowly to Bayern Munich, marking their first quarterfinal appearance in 14 years. A win over Real Madrid would be a historic milestone for a club yet to lift the coveted trophy.

Injuries

Arsenal is grappling with a defensive crisis ahead of this blockbuster tie. Stalwart center-back Gabriel Magalhaes is out for the season following hamstring surgery, and Jurrien Timber’s knee injury leaves his availability in doubt. Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori are also sidelined, and Takehiro Tomiyasu remains a long-term absentee. They will be buoyed by star winger Bukayo Saka’s return from a 101-day hamstring layoff, as evidenced by his goal just seven minutes into his comeback against Fulham in the Premier League last week. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are not without their own issues. Thibaut Courtois is expected to return in goal, but Ferland Mendy’s absence weakens their left flank, and Eder Militao’s injury leaves uncertainty in central defense. Kylian Mbappé is doubtful, adding further question marks over their attack for the first leg.

Recent Form

Arsenal’s form has been inconsistent domestically, with their Premier League title hopes fading against Liverpool after a 1-1 draw with Everton. Yet, their European campaign has been the bright spot of their season, destroying PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate in the round of 16. Real Madrid, despite their La Liga title race struggles, are only four points off leaders Barcelona, and remain a force in Europe. Their penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the last round was a big moment, though a shock 2-1 loss to Valencia in La Liga proves they are not as infallible as many would think.

Who Are The Favorites?

Real Madrid will enter as favorites here. Their 15 Champions League titles and experience in high-stakes knockout ties give them an edge, no matter who they play against. Arsenal’s home form — unbeaten in their last 16 UEFA competition matches at the Emirates — will offer the Gunners some hope, but Madrid’s firepower, led by Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, tilts the scales in their favor.

Mikel Arteta’s Legacy

For Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, this tie is a major moment in his career. Critics have pointed to his five-year trophy drought since the 2020 FA Cup, with Arsenal’s recent Premier League stumbles fueling doubts about his ability to deliver silverware. Beating Real Madrid and potentially winning the Champions League would silence those critiques and cement Arteta as an Arsenal legend. His young side — averaging just over 24 years old — has proven that they can compete with the best, but need to back it up with trophies.