The Champions League quarterfinal match between Real Madrid and Arsenal is a crucial moment for both teams, as they compete for silverware. Despite their different league positions, both teams are highly motivated for this encounter.

The first leg will be held at Arsenal`s Emirates Stadium, giving the Gunners a home advantage at the start of this important week. Arsenal has shown more consistency in the Champions League this season, but they face a significant challenge. The Champions League represents their last opportunity to win a trophy this season, a feat they haven`t achieved in the semifinals for the past 19 years, highlighting the difficulty of the task.

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Arsenal vs Real Madrid Lineups

Arsenal: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli

Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba; Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham; Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior

Manager Mikel Arteta emphasizes the immense importance of this match, calling it the most significant game of his managerial career.

`Absolutely. The excitement within the club and among the fans is palpable. This is the level where Arsenal should consistently compete,` Arteta stated in his pre-match press conference. `This is why I entered football and management, especially for this club. It`s been two decades since Arsenal has hosted a game of this magnitude, and it`s a fantastic chance for us to create our own history. That`s our aim.`

Arteta faces some lineup decisions for Tuesday`s game. Bukayo Saka is fit to play, but Gabriel is out for the season due to a hamstring injury. His absence adds to Arsenal`s list of unavailable players, including Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, who are recovering from long-term injuries.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti needs to balance his talented squad. Stars like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are expected to start. Ancelotti is also working to compensate for the absence of Dani Ceballos, who is injured, and Dani Carvajal, recovering from an ACL tear. Federico Valverde`s versatility provides valuable options for Real Madrid.

`The question is where he will play,` Ancelotti commented on Monday. `He is capable in many roles, centrally or on the wing. I am considering the best option.`