The UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg between Arsenal and Real Madrid is set for April 16, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Arsenal holds a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg, thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Mikel Merino. However, Real Madrid’s history of dramatic comebacks in this competition means the tie is far from over.
Match Details
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Date: April 16, 2025
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Kick-off Time: 21:00 CET (22:00 EAT)
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Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
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Broadcast: Movistar Liga Campeones, Paramount+, FuboTV Managing Madrid
First Leg Recap
Arsenal delivered a dominant performance at the Emirates Stadium, securing a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid. Goals from Declan Rice and Mikel Merino highlighted the Gunners’ attacking prowess. This result places Arsenal in a strong position to reach their first Champions League semi-final since the 2008-09 season.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Arsenal
Injuries/Suspensions:
- Martinelli, Partey, Rice, Timber,
Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
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David Raya,Jorginho
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Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Oleksandr Zinchenko
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Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Ødegaard ,Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard
Real Madrid
Injuries/Suspensions:
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Camavinga
Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3):
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Thibaut Courtois
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Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, Aurélien Tchouaméni, David Alaba
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Luka Modrić, Jude Bellingham
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Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo
Tactical Analysis
Arsenal is expected to maintain their structured approach, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions. The midfield trio of Rice, Merino, and Ødegaard will be crucial in controlling the game’s tempo. On the flanks, Saka and Martinelli will aim to exploit spaces behind Real Madrid’s full-backs.Tips.ggReuters
Real Madrid, facing a three-goal deficit, is likely to adopt an aggressive attacking strategy. The front three of Vinícius, Mbappé, and Rodrygo possess the pace and creativity to challenge Arsenal’s defense. The midfield battle between Bellingham and Rice could be pivotal in determining the match’s outcome.
Key Battles
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William Saliba & Gabriel Magalhães vs. Kylian Mbappé & Vinícius Júnior: Arsenal’s central defenders will need to be at their best to contain Real Madrid’s dynamic forwards.
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Declan Rice vs. Jude Bellingham: The midfield duel between these two English internationals could dictate the flow of the game. Football Tickets 2024/2025
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Gabriel Martinelli vs. Lucas Vázquez: Martinelli’s pace and dribbling skills may pose significant challenges for Vázquez on Real Madrid’s right flank.
Predictions
While Arsenal holds a substantial lead, Real Madrid’s experience and home advantage cannot be underestimated. However, considering Arsenal’s current form and tactical discipline, they are favored to progress to the semi-finals.
Predicted Score: Real Madrid 2-1 Arsenal (Aggregate: Arsenal 4-2 Real Madrid)
