Real Madrid vs. Arsenal: UCL Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

In Wednesday night's second leg of their quarterfinal match against Arsenal, the reigning League winners Real Madrid will need to stage an incredible comeback to preserve their hopes of advancing to the round of 16. Carlo Ancelotti's squad has an uphill battle.

Although they lost the first leg 3-0 at the Emirates last week, the 15-time European Cup holders now have the legendary Bernabeu factor working in their favour.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

Declan Rice, Real Madrid's £105m former target, stole the spotlight at the Emirates with two stunning free-kick goals, upstaging Kylian Mbappe, who's still searching for his first Champions League goal from a direct set piece. Mikel Merino added a third with a classy first-time finish, sealing a sensational 3-0 win for Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg.

Even legendary full-back Roberto Carlos, in attendance, couldn't find a smile as Real Madrid were outclassed. This marks only the seventh time in the club's history they've lost a first leg in Europe by three or more goals.

Real's only comeback from such a deficit came in 1975–76 against Derby County. Though the Bernabeu is known for miracles, Arsenal's commanding performance—despite missing key players like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus—leaves little room for optimism in Madrid.

The Gunners, seeking only their third semi-final appearance, dominated with 11 shots on goal—equaling a UCL quarterfinal record against Real. Yet, a 1-1 weekend draw against Brentford and a looming clash with Ipswich could derail their Premier League hopes, where Liverpool is surging.

Still, Arteta's side is unbeaten in nine games and has scored in eight straight games. With Real's scoring struggles at home in Europe and Arsenal's historic 2006 Bernabeu win as a memory, the London side could be on the brink of something special.

Real Madrid x Arsenal Team News

Kylian Mbappe is available despite a red card in La Liga, but Real Madrid will be without Eduardo Camavinga, who is suspended after a second yellow in the first leg. Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal (both long-term absentees), and potentially Ferland Mendy and Andriy Lunin (muscle and calf issues) remain out.

Aurelien Tchouameni returns from suspension and should slot into midfield alongside Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, both of whom were rested last weekend.

Arsenal's injury concerns linger after their Brentford draw. Jorginho and Thomas Partey came off with knocks, and Ben White missed the game entirely after a training injury. All three will undergo late fitness checks.

Jurrien Timber is expected to start, and key names like Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Mikel Merino—who has four goals against Real—are set to return. However, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are likely still sidelined.

Our prediction

Real Madrid to win @ 1.72 on Sky247.ng

With the Bernabeu crowd at its most rowdy in the opening ten minutes, Arsenal should have no trouble winning. However, Real Madrid could have felt the same way at the Emirates before Arsenal's second-half performance.

However, Arteta's defence is tight enough to prevent Real from scoring the four goals needed to win in regulation or overtime. With Los Blancos' defensive vulnerabilities, it only takes one fortunate Gunner to have their Henry moment to calm any nerves and dismiss the holders. Then, Munich will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa.

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