Champions League - Quarter Final, Leg 2: Real Madrid vs Arsenal Preview and Lineups
UEFA Champions League Quarter-final
2nd leg | Thu 17 April, 00:30 | Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
Real Madrid (0)
VS
(3) Arsenal
The second leg of the Champions League quarter-final between Real Madrid and Arsenal will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium early Thursday morning (4/17/2025) at 00:30 IST.
Champions League holders Real Madrid are in a precarious position after a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium. Carlo Ancelotti's men will now have to pull off one of the most iconic comebacks at the Santiago Bernabéu to keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive.
Los Blancos, holders of a record 15 Champions League trophies, were counting on the magic of the Bernabéu to turn things around. But Arsenal produced a superb performance in London, including two spectacular goals in 12 minutes from Declan Rice. Even Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos, who was in attendance, must have recognized the beauty of the free-kick.
The Gunners' third goal was scored by Mikel Merino, who came on as a substitute striker. The heavy defeat marked the fifth time in the history of the Champions League that Real Madrid have lost by three goals or more in the knockout stages. They had failed to recover on four of the previous five occasions, the exception being against Derby County in 1975-76.
Real Madrid are famous for their magical nights at the Bernabéu, as are Manchester City and Chelsea. However, they only scored once in their last La Liga game against Alaves and the form of their forward line has come under scrutiny. Kylian Mbappe is yet to score from a direct free kick and will be Los Blancos' main hope for an early goal.
Statistics show that Real Madrid have conceded at home in their last 10 European games, which presents a golden opportunity for Arsenal, who remain sharp despite missing key players such as Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Magalhaes from the first leg.
Mikel Arteta's side have a winning mentality and are unbeaten in their last nine games in all competitions. Although they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford at the weekend, they have scored in their last eight games.
CONFIRMED LINEUPS
🇪🇸 Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Lucas Vázquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, Alabama, Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vini Jr., Mbappé.
🏴 Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Merino.
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