It’s the kind of tie that writes itself. On Tuesday night, Arsenal welcome European royalty Real Madrid to the Emirates Stadium, where both history and hunger will collide in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash.
Mikel Arteta’s men are back among the continent’s elite for a second straight season. Their demolition job on PSV — a ruthless 7-1 away win followed by a controlled 2-2 draw — paved their way to the last eight. Now comes their biggest test yet: the 15-time European champions.
A Different Kind of Pressure in North London
The Gunners may not have the pedigree of their Spanish visitors, but they boast an unbeaten run of 10 Champions League games at the Emirates, with eight clean sheets to show for it. That fortress mentality will be tested by the likes of Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and, of course, Kylian Mbappé — all fit and available after dodging suspensions.
Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Everton wasn’t ideal preparation, but the lineup hinted at Arteta’s priority: this clash. Arsenal might not be chasing the Premier League title anymore, but they’ll throw everything at conquering Europe.
Bukayo Saka looks set to return to the starting XI after easing back from injury, while captain Martin Ødegaard will look to lead by example against the club that once let him go.
Madrid Never Die Quietly
Madrid arrive wounded but never weak. After needing penalties to get past Atletico Madrid in the last round, Carlo Ancelotti’s side lost 2-1 at home to Valencia, conceding a last-gasp winner. They’ve also been leaky at the back, conceding four to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semis.
But write Madrid off at your peril. They’ve reached the quarter-finals in each of the last five seasons and haven’t been knocked out at this stage since 2004 — winning 12 consecutive two-legged ties at this level.
Even without midfield anchor Aurelien Tchouameni and a list of injured defenders including Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, Los Blancos remain a formidable force. And with Thibaut Courtois returning in goal, they regain a crucial layer of security.
Team News at a Glance
Arsenal
Out: Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori (injury), Raheem Sterling (suspension)
Expected XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
Real Madrid
Out: Tchouameni (suspension), Carvajal, Militao, Mendy, Lunin, Ceballos (injury)
Expected XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba; Valverde, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappé
Key Battle: Ødegaard vs. Bellingham
Both creative engines will dictate the tempo. Ødegaard will need to unlock Madrid’s backline, while Bellingham’s power and poise could hurt Arsenal on the counter. Control the midfield, control the tie.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
With both teams carrying vulnerabilities and firepower, expect a tense, tactical affair. Arsenal’s home record and crowd could give them the edge — but Madrid have been here before and rarely blink. A draw feels fair, setting up a blockbuster return leg in the Spanish capital.