The highly anticipated second league of the Champions League quarterfinals between Real Madrid and Arsenal takes center stage on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The stakes are high, with Arsenal holding a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg, leaving Real Madrid with an uphill task to overturn the deficit.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men will need to pull off a miraculous comeback to keep their Champions League dreams alive. The 15-time European Cup holders were thoroughly outplayed in the first leg, with Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Mikel Merino starring in a 3-0 drubbing at the Emirates Stadium. Real Madrid’s only solace lies in the fact that they have the famed Bernabeu factor on their side, where Champions League nights often turn into magic shows.
Arsenal, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their momentum and defensive solidity. Mikel Arteta’s side has been in scintillating form, with a nine-match unbeaten streak in all competitions. The Gunners have also found the back of the net in each of their last eight contests, offering hope that they can seal the win and progress to the semifinals. Arsenal’s defensive unit, marshaled by the talented Saliba and Raya, will face a stern test against Real Madrid’s attacking prowess.
Team News and Lineup Expectations
Real Madrid will be without Camavinga due to suspension, while Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are long-term absentees. Ferland Mendy and Andriy Lunin are major doubts due to injuries. Expected lineup: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba; Tchouameni, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe.
Arsenal will miss Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Takehiro Tomiyasu due to injuries. Jorginho and Thomas Partey are doubtful, while Ben White’s fitness is also in question. Expected lineup: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.
Head-to-Head Record and Past Meetings
The two teams have a limited head-to-head record in competitive matches. Arsenal’s last win against Real Madrid came in 2006, with Thierry Henry scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory at the Bernabeu. Arsenal have yet to lose to Real Madrid in competitive matches, but that sequence might be snapped given Real Madrid’s home advantage.
Prediction and Expectations
Experts predict a closely contested match, with Real Madrid needing to score at least four goals to win in normal or extra time. Sports Mole predicts Real Madrid 2-1 Arsenal (Arsenal win 4-2 on aggregate), while 90min forecasts a 2-1 win for Real Madrid. The latter seems unlikely given Arsenal’s defensive solidity and Real Madrid’s struggles in away matches.
Conclusion
As the teams take to the field, the atmosphere at the Bernabeu is expected to be electric. Real Madrid will need to produce a remarkable performance to overturn the deficit, while Arsenal will aim to maintain their momentum and defensive solidity. The match promises to be an enthralling encounter, with the winner progressing to the semifinals to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 pm UK time on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 .
Source: Africa Publicity
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