The Champions League fixtures have thrown up another mouthwatering encounter as Arsenal prepare to host Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on April 8, 2025. It’s a matchup steeped in history, tension, and European ambition — and with both sides grappling with injuries and suspensions, it’s anyone’s guess how this one will play out.
For Arsenal fans, memories of their famous 1-0 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu back in 2006 will surely be rekindled. That magical night, followed by a dogged 0-0 draw at Highbury, saw the Gunners eliminate the Spanish giants in the Round of 16. Fast forward nearly two decades, and Mikel Arteta’s men will be desperate to write a new chapter.
Arsenal Team News: Injury Crisis Deepens
It hasn’t been smooth sailing for the Gunners on the fitness front. Gabriel Magalhães is sidelined for the season after hamstring surgery, while the versatile Tomiyasu and star forward Gabriel Jesus are also long-term absentees following knee and ACL surgeries respectively.
Adding to the woes, new signing Riccardo Calafiori picked up a knee injury during the international break, and Kai Havertz is still recovering from his own hamstring surgery. Meanwhile, Sterling will miss the clash due to suspension.
Despite the injury list, there’s hope. The backbone of Arsenal’s midfield — Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard — remains intact, while young talents like Myles Lewis-Skelly could be given the opportunity to shine on the biggest stage.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup:
• GK: David Raya
• DF: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly
• MF: Martin Ødegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice
• FW: Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli
Real Madrid Team News: Key Players Missing
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid also come into this tie limping. Midfield anchor Aurélien Tchouaméni is suspended, while Dani Ceballos, Ferland Mendy, and Andriy Lunin are all sidelined with muscular and hamstring problems. Defensively, Los Blancos have been hit hard with Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão ruled out for the season after ACL injuries.
Interestingly, Madrid haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last eight matches — a vulnerability Arsenal will be keen to exploit under the North London lights.
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup:
• GK: Thibaut Courtois
• DF: Federico Valverde, Rafael Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García
• MF: Luka Modrić, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham
• FW: Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.
Key Storylines to Watch
• Can Arsenal break Madrid’s shaky defensive run?
Real Madrid’s last clean sheet dates all the way back to February. If there was ever a time to attack them, it’s now.
• Ancelotti vs Arsenal:
The Italian mastermind has a strong record against the Gunners — 7 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses across his career. But this is a young, fearless Arsenal side that doesn’t carry the baggage of the past.
• Midfield Battle:
With Ceballos and Tchouaméni missing, Madrid’s midfield could be vulnerable. Ødegaard and Rice must seize control early to dictate the tempo.
• The Emirates Roar:
On a European night under the floodlights, the Emirates transforms. Arsenal fans will be the 12th man — and Real Madrid will feel it.
Match Details
• Venue: Emirates Stadium, North London
• Kick-off Time: 09/04/2025, 00:30 AM (India); 20:00 BST (UK)
• Where to Watch:
• UK: Amazon Prime
• USA: Paramount+, ViX, TUDN
• India: SonyLiv
This Arsenal vs Real Madrid showdown promises to be more than just a Champions League fixture — it’s a battle of belief, grit, and ambition. Both teams are bruised but not broken, and in knockout football, anything can happen.
Will Arsenal harness the energy of North London and take a first-leg lead to Spain?
Or will the old European masters find a way, as they so often do, to spoil the party?
One thing’s for sure: the Emirates will be rocking, and the world will be watching.