While dreams of a Premier League title are growing dimmer by the day, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal could still give fans something to remember from this season as they hunt for a first European trophy.
Arsenal’s campaign has been largely straightforward thus far, finishing third in the new-look league phase and strolling through the round of 16 as they put nine goals past PSV Eindhoven over two legs. Now faced with an extended injury list, though, the Gunners next outing will be a huge step up.
Reigning champions Madrid are in the midst of a strong season, though it is still far below their usual standards. They sit second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona, and shipped three losses to LOSC Lille, Liverpool, and AC Milan in the league phase. They remain on somewhat shaky form, with just two wins in their last five matches.
Star man Kylian Mbappe has enjoyed his start to life in Madrid since moving from Paris Saint-Germain in summer, though. He was slow off the mark in his first games in white but has gone on to record 32 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions, making him comfortably the side’s top goalscorer.
The two sides have met just once in a now-famous Champions League tie in 2006, which Arsenal won 1-0 over two legs. Thierry Henry made the difference 19 years ago – who will it be this time around?
Date, kick-off time and venue
Arsenal vs Real Madrid is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
The match will take place at the Emirates Stadium.
Where to watch Arsenal vs Real Madrid
TV channel: In the UK, the game will not be televised live.
Live stream: Fans can catch the contest live online via Amazon Prime.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Simon Collings at the ground.
Free highlights: The Amazon Prime Video Sport YouTube channel will show highlights post-match.
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Arsenal vs Real Madrid team news
It has been a difficult couple of weeks for Arsenal in terms of injuries, as they have seen several key players go down with lengthy injuries. Gabriel Maghalaes has undergone surgery on a hamstring injury suffered against Fulham last week and is expected to be out for the season, while Riccardo Calafiori is also set for a spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee on international duty with Italy. No timeframe has been given for his return.
Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Takehiro Tomiyasu all remain injured, too, while Raheem Sterling is suspended after being booked in the previous round. Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Martinelli are one yellow card away from missing the second leg through suspension.
The news is not much better for Real. Carlo Ancelotti’s selection between the sticks as Thibaut Courtois has travelled with the squad despite reportedly struggling with a cyst on his knee. An injury to second-choice keeper Andriy Lunin saw Fran Gonzalez start in last week’s 1-2 league loss to Valencia.
Also missing will be the suspended Aurélien Tchouaméni, opening the door to a rare start for Luka Modric. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are both out for the season with ACL injuries.
Ferland Mendy and former Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos have both been left out of Ancelotti’s travelling squad with injuries.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid prediction
With both sides facing a mounting injury list and on shaky form, Tuesday night’s match will be tricky to call. But despite the stripped-back squad, Madrid’s European pedigree and more experienced squad will have a level of nous that their hosts may not be able to match.
For all the injuries, Madrid will still boast Vinicius Jr and Mbappe up top, an attack which is sure to overwhelm Arsenal’s thin defence. It will take some doing for the Gunners to take an advantage into the second leg.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Arsenal vs Real Madrid match odds
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).