Arsenal vs Real Madrid Preview: UCL Quarter Final Injury Updates, Predicted Playing XI, H2H Record, Team News

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Arsenal will welcome Real Madrid for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final at the Emirates Stadium in London on Tuesday (April 8) at 8:00 pm BST. This encounter brings together two clubs with vastly different European histories – Arsenal, still chasing their maiden Champions League crown, and Real Madrid, holders of a record 15 European titles.

Arsenal have had an excellent European journey so far, finishing third in the inaugural league stage with 19 points from a possible 24, while letting in just three goals. The Gunners currently sit second in the Premier League table, trailing leaders Liverpool by 11 points with only seven fixtures to go.

Despite Arsenal’s impressive form this term, Real Madrid’s knockout stage history is equally notable. The Spanish giants haven’t suffered a first-leg defeat in any of their last eight UCL knockout rounds. They\'ve faced English clubs 22 times in the knockout stages of the UCL, winning 11. They’ve also advanced from each of their last 12 quarter-final appearances in the Champions League.

Arsenal vs Real Madrid UCL 2024-25: H2H Records

Arsenal hold an unbeaten record in UEFA competitions against Madrid, though their last meeting was nearly twenty years ago. The two sides clashed twice in official matches during the 2005-06 Champions League Round of 16. Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg and held Madrid to a goalless draw in the second, going through with a 1-0 aggregate win.

Arsenal vs Real Madrid: H2H (Across All Competitions)
Arsenal: 2
Real Madrid: 0
Draws: 3

Arsenal vs Real Madrid UCL 2024-25: Recent Forms

Arsenal approach this fixture in mixed form. After beating PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the Round of 16, they managed just two wins from their last five games. Real Madrid, likewise, have been inconsistent lately. The Spanish side lost two of their last five matches, including a 2-1 defeat against Valencia in their most recent game.

Current Forms
Arsenal: D, W, W, D, D
Real Madrid: L, D, W, W, L

Arsenal vs Real Madrid UCL 2024-25: Squad Updates & Injury News

For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka has returned to the lineup following a three-month hamstring absence. On the downside, Gabriel Magalhaes is out for the rest of the season, along with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Riccardo Calafiori, significantly weakening the defensive setup. In attack, both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz will miss out. Rahim Sterling is also ruled out due to suspension.

While Sterling’s ban may not impact Arsenal heavily, Real Madrid will be missing Aurelien Tchouameni as the midfielder serves a suspension from accumulated yellow cards. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are also ruled out for the season due to knee injuries. The availability of Ferland Mendy, Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, and ex-Arsenal player Dani Ceballos remains uncertain. If both keepers are unavailable, Carlo Ancelotti may have no choice but to start 19-year-old Franz Gonzalez in goal.

Arsenal vs Real Madrid UCL 2024-25: Expected Lineups

Arsenal: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Fran Garcia; Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga; Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Kylian Mbappe

Arsenal vs Real Madrid UCL 2024-25: Predicted Scoreline

A solid defensive unit has underpinned Arsenal’s success this season. With that backline now hampered by injuries, containing Madrid’s powerful frontline could prove to be a serious challenge.

Predicted Scoreline: Arsenal 1-1 Real Madrid