Los Blancos will look to beat the Gunners for the first time in the second leg, but they have to do it in a dominating fashion as they are three goals behind. At home, Real Madrid have a great record in the Champions League. They have to be at their best to make a comeback. Most probably, Real will win this leg.
Match info: UEFA Champions League
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Date: Wednesday, 16th April 2025
Time: 8 pm Nigerian time
It is remontada or bust for reigning Champions League champions Real Madrid on Wednesday night, where Carlo Ancelotti's men must pull off the most sensational comeback against Arsenal in the second leg of their quarter-final to keep their dream of a sweet 16 alive.
The 15-time European Cup holders were slaughtered 3-0 at the Emirates in last week's first leg, but Los Blancos now have the famed Bernabeu factor on their side.
Head-to-head:
- Real Madrid have never beaten Arsenal in 3 UEFA Champions League meetings between the two teams.
- Arsenal have recorded 2 victories.
- The other clash ended in a draw.
- The first leg ended in a 3-0 win for Arsenal.
- Real Madrid have never scored in this fixture.
- Arsenal have hit the back of the net on 4 occasions.
- When Arsenal lead 0-1 away, they win in 80% of their matches
- The average number of goals in meetings between Real Madrid and Arsenal is 1.8
Form:
- Real Madrid in the League: W-W-W-W-L
- Real Madrid in all competitions: W-D-L-L-W
- Arsenal in the League: W-W-W-D-W
- Arsenal in all competitions: W-W-D-W-D
Team News:
- Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy and Andriy Lunin are all injured for the Los Blancos. Eduardo Camavinga will be suspended for this match as he got a red card in the first leg.
- The Gunners will miss Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu due to injuries.
Player(s) to watch:
- Jude Bellingham stands out as a versatile midfielder with an incredible ability to get into the box and score goals. His agility and skill near the opponent’s box make him a game-changer in those situations. Additionally, he has exceptional game vision and outstanding associative skills. Even though his performance was very poor in the first leg, the England international is capable of bouncing back from the defeat. He excels in identifying gaps between players in the opponent’s defensive formation. At home, his role will be crucial for Madrid as they have to come back from a three-goal deficit. This season, he has played 41 games, in which he scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists.
- Declan Rice is quick to spot potential threats and dangerous progressions of attack. He reacts aggressively to eliminate dangers in his zone. Aside from winning the ball through physical challenges on opposing players, Rice is an adept reader of the game. He is constantly focused on cutting out passing lanes. Rice has more to offer than just the average physically imposing and defensive-minded player on the field. He understands the game well. He possesses the qualities as a player to contribute and benefit the team in all phases of the game. This season, he has played 44 games, in which he scored seven goals and provided eleven assists.