Arsenal host Real Madrid at the Emirates in the quarterfinal of the Champions League. Let that sink in. The Gunners spent six years out of the Champions League, with one out of European competition entirely, and now we’ve had Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. This bunch have come a long way.
Somewhat surprisingly, these two storied clubs have only met once before in competition — the 2005-06 Champions League season. Thierry Henry’s goal at the Bernabeu was the only tally over two legs. It was the first time an English club had won away to Real Madrid. The Gunners made the final that year.
This is where Arsenal belong. The biggest games against the biggest clubs. Getting there is great, but I’m sure the club, the manager, the players (and certainly we) want more. It’s time to take the next step.
Real Madrid may seem a daunting opponent. They are. They always seem to find a way to get it done when the brightest lights are on. I’m hesitant to say “this is not the same team that won the Champions League last season” because in many ways, it is. The players are mostly the same (minus Toni Kroos, plus Kylian Mbappe).
But it’s really not the same team. They’re average, at best, defensively. They’re not great at breaking down set, structured defenses. Arsenal are going to dominate the possession, as most of Real Madrid’s top-level opponents have done. The Gunners will have chances, particularly in wide areas through Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka causing problems.
The match and the tie will turn on what Arsenal are able to do with those chances and how well Arsenal defend the terrifying Real Madrid break.
Both clubs have yellow card suspensions for today’s match and players in jeopardy of missing the second leg. Raheem Sterling misses out for Arsenal, Aurélien Tchouaméni for Real Madrid. Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Gabriel Martinelli would miss the match in Madrid next week were they to be booked today, and on the other side, Lucas Vasquez, Vincius Jr., Luka Modric, Endrick, Eduardo Camavinga, and Antonio Rudiger will all need to toe the line.
Arsenal will be without the usual suspects — Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu — and recent addition to the list Gabriel Magalhaes. Riccardo Calafiori is out for today’s match but might be fit in time for the second leg.
Real Madrid will be missing Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal. Thibault Courtois and Antonio Rudiger are both dealing with knocks but expected to start.
Arsenal - Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Ødegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Merino
Real Madrid - Courtois, Alaba, Rudiger, Ascencio, Valverde, Camavinga, Modric, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Mbappe
WHO: Arsenal vs Real Madrid
WHAT: Champions League quarterfinal leg 1
WHERE: Emirates Stadium
WHEN: Tuesday, April 8th, 12:00 pm PT | 3:00 pm ET | 8:00 pm GMT
HOW TO WATCH: Streaming on Paramount+
For all your international streaming needs, check LiveSoccerTV.com.
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