Real Madrid will need to pull off one of the greatest Champions League comebacks in recent memory when they welcome Arsenal to the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night for the second leg of their quarter-final clash. After a shocking 3-0 defeat in North London, the reigning champions have no room for error if they want to keep their hopes of a 16th European crown alive.
The Gunners produced a sensational performance in the first leg, capitalizing on their high tempo and sharp finishing. Declan Rice was the unlikely hero from set pieces, netting two stunning free-kicks, while makeshift striker Mikel Merino capped the night with a clinical first-time finish. Real Madrid were second best throughout and failed to register a meaningful threat, making their current predicament a rare but dangerous one.
Only once in their history have Real Madrid overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit in Europe. That came against Derby County in 1975-76, when they bounced back from a 4-1 loss with a 5-1 win in the second leg. Nights at the Bernabeu have provided legendary turnarounds in the past Manchester City and Chelsea can testify to that but beating this Arsenal side by a four-goal margin is a daunting task.
Madrid did get back to winning ways over the weekend, narrowly defeating Alaves 1-0 thanks to Eduardo Camavinga’s goal. However, that match also saw Kylian Mbappe receive a red card, though his suspension only applies to domestic competition. Despite their rich history and firepower, Los Blancos are defensively vulnerable at home in Europe, having conceded in each of their last 10 Champions League games at the Bernabeu.
On the other side, Arsenal’s confidence is soaring. Even with several key players unavailable, they put Real Madrid to the sword at the Emirates, and their current nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions is evidence of their form and belief. Mikel Arteta’s side have scored in each of their last eight outings and look ready to go toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite.
The Gunners’ recent 1-1 draw with Brentford may have hurt their domestic title hopes, but it also allowed Arteta to rest a few starters ahead of this massive clash. The North London outfit have nothing to fear, having never lost to Real Madrid in a competitive match, and they’ll aim to manage the game intelligently, aware that even a narrow defeat could still see them through to the semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
Real Madrid will be without Camavinga due to suspension, while Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal remain long-term absentees. Ferland Mendy and Andriy Lunin are doubtful. Aurelien Tchouameni returns from suspension, and the likes of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior are expected to start after limited action at the weekend.
For Arsenal, Jorginho is out with a chest injury, but Thomas Partey and Ben White have recovered. Jurrien Timber is expected to return, while Saka, Odegaard, and Merino are among those poised to start. Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all still sidelined, as is Riccardo Calafiori.
Predicted lineups:
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba; Tchouameni, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
The stage is set for a dramatic evening in Madrid—whether it ends in a famous remontada or Arsenal’s long-awaited return to the final four remains to be seen.
