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Are Arsenal set to secure their spot in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League against the defending champions Real Madrid? With a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg at the Emirates, the Gunners are heading to Santiago Bernabéu on an optimistic note. Let’s break down this crucial matchup, analyzing team news, key players, and what’s at stake for both clubs.
As the two European giants prepare to clash for the second leg on Wednesday, April 16, the excitement is palpable. Kick-off is set for 3:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. CET), and fans around the world are keen to see if Real Madrid can mount a comeback or if Arsenal will finish the job.
Current Form and Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Arsenal has had a slight edge over Real Madrid in their recent meetings, winning twice and drawing once. The last encounter ended in a resounding 3-0 victory for the Gunners on April 8, 2025. Here’s a quick look at their recent form:
| Team | Last 5 Matches |
|---|---|
| Arsenal | 1-1 vs Brentford, 3-0 vs Real Madrid, 1-1 vs Everton, 2-1 vs Fulham, 1-0 vs Chelsea |
| Real Madrid | 0-1 vs Alaves, 1-2 vs Valencia, 4-4 vs Real Sociedad, 3-2 vs Leganés |
While Arsenal seems to be in fine form, Real Madrid is struggling, with one clean sheet in their last ten matches. This raises concerns about their defensive capabilities as they face a potent Arsenal attack.
Team News: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
Both teams have been dealing with injuries, but recent developments have offered some hope for their lineups. For Real Madrid, coach Carlo Ancelotti is delighted to welcome back midfielders Dani Ceballos and Aurélien Tchouaméni, who are crucial for their midfield dynamics. However, they will be without Eduardo Camavinga due to suspension, and several key players remain injured, including Ferland Mendy and Éder Militão.
Arsenal has also faced injury concerns with Thomas Partey and Jorginho, but both have returned to training and are expected to travel to Madrid. It remains to be seen whether Jorginho will feature. If Partey is fit to start, Arsenal’s lineup could remain unchanged from their dominant first leg performance.
Key Players to Watch
For Real Madrid, all eyes will be on star forward Kylian Mbappé, whose ability to finish clinically could spark a comeback for the Spanish side. The return of Tchouaméni and Ceballos also adds strength to the midfield, providing creativity and stability.
On the other hand, Arsenal will look to Declan Rice, who was instrumental in their first leg victory. Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka also pose significant threats on the wings, and keeping them quiet will be essential for Madrid’s hopes.
Score Prediction
Predicting the outcome of this match is tricky, as Real Madrid will be desperate to overturn their deficit and possess the experience to do so. However, given Arsenal's solid defense—having not conceded more than two goals in 78 consecutive matches—it's hard to imagine a scenario where Madrid can score enough to advance. Our prediction leans towards a narrow victory for Real Madrid, but Arsenal is well-positioned to progress with a predicted score of Real Madrid 2 - 1 Arsenal.
How to Watch the Match
Fans in the USA can catch the match live on Paramount+, while viewers in the UK can tune in to TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate for live coverage.
This showdown promises to be an electrifying encounter, packed with drama and high stakes. Will Arsenal continue their dominant form, or can Real Madrid rise to the occasion? Tune in on April 16 to find out!
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