The Champions League quarterfinal match between Real Madrid and Arsenal is a crucial moment for both teams as they aim to win silverware this season. Despite their different situations, both teams are highly motivated for this clash.
The first match will be at Arsenal`s Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. Arsenal has performed more consistently in the Champions League recently, but they see this tournament as their last chance to win a trophy this season. They haven`t reached the semifinals in almost two decades, highlighting the challenge ahead.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal`s manager, emphasizes the importance of this game, calling it the most important of his career. He highlights the excitement around the club and sees this as the stage where Arsenal should consistently compete. It’s been 20 years since Arsenal has played a game of this magnitude, presenting a great opportunity for the club to create new history.
Arteta faces some lineup decisions for Tuesday`s game. Bukayo Saka is fit and available, which is a boost for Arsenal. However, they will miss Gabriel due to a serious hamstring injury. Gabriel`s absence adds to a list of unavailable players including Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, who are recovering from injuries.
Real Madrid`s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, needs to balance his talented squad. Players like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are expected to start. Ancelotti is also finding solutions to cover for the absences of Dani Ceballos, who is injured, and Dani Carvajal, who is recovering from an ACL injury. Federico Valverde`s versatility is expected to play a key role for Real Madrid.
Ancelotti mentioned that he is still deciding where Valverde will play, noting his ability to perform well in the center or on the wing.
Predicted Lineups for Arsenal vs. Real Madrid
Arsenal: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba; Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham; Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 8
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Emirates Stadium — London
