Match Preview for Real Madrid v Arsenal
There has been a lot of talk in Spain this week about the unique atmosphere created by the Santiago Bernabeu and that no team, bar Real Madrid, would stand a chance of coming back against Arsenal.
Current players such as Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, former players like Joselu, and the regular cheerleaders in the Madrid media have talked long and hard about how the ‘remontada’ is possible.
A lot of noise that Arsenal simply have to ignore. They are in the box seat following the 3-0 demolition of Carlo Ancelotti’s side at the Emirates last week and a calm, mature performance in the return tomorrow night is likely to be enough.
Can Real Madrid do it? Yes, absolutely, but their hopes are compromised by the fact this is not a vintage Madrid side. That is shown by their recent run of one win in their last four games in all competitions. There seems little doubt that Ancelotti will be leaving at the end of the season with a younger man brought in to revitalise a squad high on star quality but low on cohesion.
Arsenal’s approach will be interesting. Do they go for the jugular early on knowing a goal will all but end the tie? Or do they sit back for the first 20 minutes and play it tight in the hope the early surge created by the crowd will gradually dissipate?
It is more likely to be the latter, enabling the Gunners to hit Madrid on the break and utilise the pace of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Team News for Real Madrid v Arsenal
Ancelotti has to work out how best to use Valverde. The Uruguay international excels at both right-back and in midfield but, with Madrid needing goals, it seems likely he will be played in a more advanced position with Lucas Vazquez drafted into the back four.
David Alaba endured a difficult evening against Saka in the first game and the Austrian could make way for Fran Garcia at left-back.
Eduardo Camavinga is suspended following his senseless red card in the first leg.
Arsenal have a concern over the fitness of midfielder Thomas Partey. Should he be ruled out it could see makeshift striker Mikel Merino drop back into midfield to partner Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, the scorer of two brilliant free-kicks a week ago.
Predicted line-ups for Real Madrid v Arsenal
Real Madrid: Courtois; Vazquez, Rudiger, Asencio, Garcia; Tchouameni, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr, Mbappe
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Kiwior, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Odegaard, Merino; Saka, Martinelli, Trossard
How to watch Real Madrid v Arsenal: TV and online stream
Real Madrid v Arsenal kicks off at 8pm UK time tomorrow night and can be watched on TNT Sports.
It can be streamed on the Discovery+ app.
Stats for Real Madrid v Arsenal
- Arsenal have scored the opening goal in their last six games
- Kylian Mbappé has scored in 50% of Champions League home games this season for Real Madrid
- There have been three or more goals scored in each of Real Madrid’s last five games
Prediction for Real Madrid v Arsenal
Madrid will give it their all. The Champions League matters to them more than any other club.
And yes, they have plenty of attacking talent. And yes, the crowd will give them an extra boost, but we can’t see past Arsenal.
With the home side having to pour forward, that will leave spaces in behind that Arsenal are more than capable of exploiting.
It might get a bit hairy at times but we’re confident Arsenal will show the poise required to reach the semi-finals.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-2 Arsenal
