Arsenal vs Real Madrid Prediction – Champions League Quarter-Final Showdown

Premier League runners-up Arsenal host Real Madrid in the Champions League. The quarter-finals are upon us, and our expectations are sky-high across the board. These two sides meet at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, marking their first Champions League encounter since 2006, when Arsenal edged the tie 1-0 on aggregate. This time around, we’re likely to see more goals, even though the home side is dealing with several key absences in attack.

One major boost is the return of Bukayo Saka, who was rested on the bench against Everton at the weekend to ensure he’s fully fit for this crucial clash. However, Arsenal are without key players Gabriel, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. These are significant losses, especially the first two—or even three—names, which really stand out. Arsenal could have used a fully fit squad heading into this two-legged showdown. There are still questions about the defensive lineup, with Kiwior, White, and Timber all being considered for starting roles. The managerial battle between Mikel Arteta and Carlo Ancelotti will be intriguing—but I think it’s the latter who will come out on top.

Arsenal vs Real Madrid Prediction

• Tip: Real Madrid +0.25 Asian Handicap
• Unit stake: 1
• Odds: 1.93

Best odds available at time of publishing. Odds may now differ.

Madrid’s Champions League Mindset Kicks In

Underestimating Real Madrid in the Champions League is simply not an option. Not even after a major letdown in La Liga last weekend—a match they more or less had to win to stay ahead of Barcelona in the title race. But that’s in the past. Now, it’s all about the quarter-final showdown with Arsenal. As mentioned, their last Champions League meeting was in 2006, when Thierry Henry was the main man. This time, it’s likely to be another Frenchman in the spotlight—though wearing different colours. Kylian Mbappe has stepped up his game as the season’s progressed and will be a handful, especially alongside Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham.

I believe Madrid have an extra gear to shift into compared to Arsenal. The hosts will put up a strong fight, but in the end, I expect the Spaniards to come away with a solid result in London before returning home to the Santiago Bernabeu for the second leg next week. Injuries have eased somewhat for Madrid—though Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao remain sidelined, Ferland Mendy, Thibaut Courtois, and Dani Ceballos are all expected to feature.

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