Arsenal vs Real Madrid: Match Preview, Team News, Possible Line-ups & Where to Watch the UCL Match
Joel Omotto • 12:30 – 07.04.2025
Arsenal host Real Madrid in a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash on Tuesday night, and here’s everything you need to know about the match.
Match Overview
Arsenal are set for one of the most crucial matches of their season when they take on Spanish giants Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday. The Gunners, who are seeking their first-ever European crown, face a tough challenge against Madrid, who are renowned for their ability to shine on the Champions League stage.
Madrid made it to the quarter-finals after overcoming Atletico Madrid in a tense post-match penalty shootout. Arsenal, on the other hand, demonstrated their attacking prowess by annihilating PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate in the Last 16, signaling their ambitions of going far in the competition.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid: Historical Context
This match will mark the first time in nearly two decades that Arsenal and Real Madrid face off in a competitive encounter. Their last meeting was in the 2005-06 season during the round of 16 in the Champions League, with Arsenal securing a 1-0 aggregate win over Madrid. The Gunners, led by legendary forward Thierry Henry, won 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu, and then held off the Galacticos in the return leg at Highbury to progress to the quarter-finals.
This time, Arsenal’s chances of progression against a star-studded Madrid team will depend heavily on their defensive resilience and ability to exploit Madrid’s weaknesses. Arsenal’s coach, Mikel Arteta, will need to get his tactics right to navigate this high-stakes encounter.
Recent Form and Motivation
Both teams are coming into this game off disappointing results in their domestic leagues. Arsenal’s slim hopes of winning the Premier League were dashed with a 1-1 draw against Everton on Saturday, while Real Madrid’s bid to retain their La Liga crown suffered a blow after a 2-1 loss to Valencia. These results will add pressure on both teams to perform in the Champions League, as they look to redeem their seasons with a strong European showing.
Given the history and pedigree of these two sides, this match will undoubtedly have a high level of intensity, with both teams aiming for a positive result in the first leg to take into the second leg.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid: Team News
Arsenal Team News Mikel Arteta will be relieved to have Bukayo Saka fit again after his recent injury, and the winger will be expected to play a key role alongside other attacking talents like Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Mikel Merino. Thomas Partey will anchor the midfield, with Jurrien Timber adding solidity at the back.
However, Arteta will have to cope with several absentees. Gabriel Jesus is out with a knee injury, while Kai Havertz is struggling with a hamstring issue. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Magalhaes are also sidelined with knee and hamstring injuries, respectively. Additionally, versatile defender Riccardo Calafiori and winger Raheem Sterling will miss out due to suspensions.
Real Madrid Team News Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will be relieved that key players like Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos, Antonio Rudiger, and Vinicius Junior will be available for selection. Thibaut Courtois will undergo a late fitness test to determine if he can play, with Andriy Lunin ready to step in if necessary.
However, Madrid will be without French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who is suspended for the match. In defense, Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are both ruled out for the season with knee injuries, while Ferland Mendy is also unavailable due to a muscle issue. Despite these absentees, Real Madrid still have a deep squad filled with world-class talent.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid: Possible Line-ups
Arsenal Possible XI:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
Real Madrid Possible XI:
Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe
Time and Where to Watch
The match is set to kick off at 10:00 PM East African Time (EAT). It will be broadcast live on SuperSport TV, ensuring fans around the world can watch this exciting European clash.
Conclusion
This clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid promises to be an intriguing encounter, with both teams needing a strong performance to take into the second leg. Arsenal will look to capitalize on their home advantage, while Madrid will lean on their vast experience in this competition. With star players on both sides, this is a match that could go either way, making it one of the most exciting fixtures of the Champions League quarter-finals.
