The stage is set for a dramatic European night at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid vs Arsenal headlines the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final. With a mountain to climb, the reigning champions Real Madrid must pull off one of their greatest comebacks to keep their title defense alive.
Arsenal stunned the footballing world with a stunning 3-0 win in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, but as history shows, nothing is ever certain under the bright lights of the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid vs Arsenal – Match Details
- Fixture: Real Madrid vs Arsenal
- Competition: UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final (2nd Leg)
- Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2025
- Kick-off: 20:00 CET
- Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
- First Leg Result: Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid
Real Madrid: The Remontada Spirit Returns?
Los Blancos were humiliated in North London, suffering a 3-0 defeat in the first leg — their heaviest UCL knockout first-leg loss since 2009. Declan Rice’s stunning free kicks and a composed strike from Mikel Merino left Real with a mountain to climb.
However, the Real Madrid vs Arsenal encounter now returns to the Bernabeu — a stadium where European miracles have unfolded. Real have overturned a 3+ goal deficit only once in five previous attempts, but it came against Derby County in 1976, and their famous 2022 comeback against Manchester City is still fresh in memory.
Despite their legendary UCL pedigree, Real have conceded in their last 10 home games in Europe — a worrying stat when facing a free-scoring Arsenal side.
Arsenal: On the Brink of Historic Glory
Arsenal head to Madrid full of confidence after an electrifying first-leg performance. The Gunners outclassed the defending champions, producing one of the club’s finest European nights.
Mikel Arteta’s side are unbeaten in nine games across all competitions and have scored in each of their last eight. While a 1-1 draw against Brentford over the weekend dented their Premier League title hopes, their form in Europe remains razor sharp.
Arsenal have never lost to Real Madrid in a competitive fixture, and even a narrow defeat in the Real Madrid vs Arsenal tie could be enough to book a semi-final berth for just the third time in their history.
Real Madrid vs Arsenal Team News
Real Madrid Team News
- Out: Eduardo Camavinga (suspension), Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal (knee).
- Doubts: Ferland Mendy (muscle), Andriy Lunin (calf).
- Available: Aurelien Tchouameni returns from suspension; Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr expected to start.
Expected to start:
- Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba
- Tchouameni, Modric
- Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr
- Mbappe
Arsenal Team News
- Out: Jorginho (chest), Gabriel Jesus (knee), Gabriel Magalhaes (hamstring), Kai Havertz (hamstring), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Riccardo Calafiori (knee).
- Fit: Thomas Partey, Ben White cleared to play; Jurrien Timber and key starters set to return.
Expected to start:
- Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly
- Odegaard, Partey, Rice
- Saka, Merino, Martinelli
Real Madrid vs Arsenal: Key Stats
- Arsenal have never lost a competitive game to Real Madrid.
- Real Madrid have conceded in each of their last 10 Champions League home games.
- Declan Rice has scored 4 goals in 3 games against Real Madrid — his best record vs any opponent.
- Real Madrid have only beaten English teams by 4+ goals twice in their UCL history.
Real Madrid vs Arsenal Prediction
The Real Madrid vs Arsenal clash is primed to be a classic. With a three-goal cushion, Arsenal have the luxury of absorbing pressure and counterattacking, while Real Madrid will be forced to go all-in from the first whistle.
Expect drama, goals, and high tension, but unless the Bernabeu magic strikes again, Arsenal look destined for a famous progression to the semi-finals.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Arsenal (Aggregate: 4-2 to Arsenal)
Final Word
Will Real Madrid summon the spirit of remontada once more? Or can Arsenal hold their nerve in one of Europe’s most intimidating arenas?
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