UCL QF: Real Madrid vs. Arsenal: A Goalfest is Needed for a Spot in the Semis
by Tyler Doty
A 2006 Rematch
In the first leg last Wednesday, we witnessed the first encounter between Arsenal and Real Madrid since 2006. A nice reunion, and a chance for Real Madrid to seek revenge for their loss nearly 20 years ago. From the start of the match, both teams were clearly focused on attacking, determined to create a strong position for the return leg.
Although Real Madrid looked more dangerous in attack, they couldn't convert much. David Raya only had to make 3 saves to prevent any goals. Despite the efforts of both sides, they went into halftime with a 0-0 draw. After 45 minutes, the match was still wide open.
It was Arsenal who came out with more fight in the second half, and in the 58th minute, they broke the deadlock with a free-kick. Just 12 minutes later, Declan Rice stepped up for another free-kick and made it 2-0. Five minutes later, Mikel Merino scored the decisive third goal: 3-0 for Arsenal. A result that both sportsbooks and our experts might call a surprise. Arsenal did it again, winning both of their encounters. And as a cherry on top, they now have an excellent position heading into tonight's return leg.
Can the Defending Champions Come Back?
Now it’s up to Real Madrid to salvage tonight’s game: if Carlo Ancelotti's side are to make the semifinals, they need at least 3 goals. For some teams, this would be a huge challenge, but for Kylian Mbappé and his teammates, it’s not an exceptional task—after all, they’ve managed to score more than 3 goals in 7 different Champions League matches. It’s no surprise that Real Madrid began the season as a favorite in most Champions League predictions. It's not an impossible feat but their work is certainly cut out for them.
Real Madrid have scored 3+ in 7 UCL matches
One thing that’s likely frustrating the Madrid men is the suspension of Eduardo Camavinga. The French international picked up his first yellow card in the 69th minute, but was sent off in the final minute for kicking the ball away. While he may not be the one scoring goals, his quick actions and solid passing play a key role in Real Madrid’s build-up.
One thing is sure in this UCL quarterfinal second leg, Madrid's stars need to shine bright in this do-or-die match. According to our Real Madrid vs Arsenal prediction, our experts are expecting one star in particular to show up big. Madrid will need to take some risks if they're to progress and those risks need to come in the attacking third.
It’s Do or Die for Carlo Ancelotti’s Men
Real Madrid has a big task ahead of them tonight: coming back from a 3-0 deficit. While they’re more than capable of completing this task, the previous match showed that Arsenal is a serious opponent.
Fortunately for Real Madrid, they have the advantage of playing at home, which has been a huge benefit for them both in La Liga and in the Champions League. That’s why our experts are clear: the home side is the favorite in our Real Madrid - Arsenal prediction. Prolific at home, Real Madrid have only lost twice at home in La Liga and are on a single home defeat in this 2025 edition of the UCL. These stats should give Real Madrid fans some hope.
Will Real Madrid be able to turn things around, or was Arsenal’s victory at the Emirates Stadium enough to secure a spot in the semifinals for the English side?
