Real Madrid vs Arsenal prediction, H2H and probable lineups - April 16, 2025
The second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals between Real Madrid and Arsenal will take place on Wednesday in Madrid. The Gunners' emphatic 3-0 victory at home has left the Madrid side on the brink. Can Carlo Ancelotti's team reignite the intrigue? I suggest betting on goals in this match with a good odds.
Match preview
The first encounter turned into a real disaster for Real Madrid — 0:3 and no goals scored. This is Ancelotti's second consecutive defeat in the current European campaign, once again without any offensive success. To reach the semi-finals, Los Blancos now need a miracle — winning by at least four goals. A three-goal victory would push the game into extra time.
History records only one instance when Real managed to overturn a similar deficit in the Champions Cup — in 1976 against Derby County. It was decided in extra time, where the Madrid side edged out the English. Nevertheless, the Santiago Bernabéu remains a fortress — 6 wins in the last 7 home Champions League matches confirm that this Real is capable of much when backed by their home crowd.
Arsenal's victory over Real Madrid was not just a loud statement but also a continuation of an impressive streak: seven consecutive Champions League matches unbeaten — 6 victories and only one draw. Five of these victories were by a large margin, highlighting the current strength of Arteta's team.
Declan Rice's feat stands out — two precise free-kick goals in the first Champions League playoff match was a first. This surge allows the Londoners to approach the second leg with a comfortable cushion: even a loss by one or two goals won't be critical. History is also on Arsenal's side — the team has never been knocked out of European competitions after winning the first match by three goals or more.
Probable lineups
- Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois – Raul Asensio, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García – Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham – Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappé
- Arsenal: David Raya – Miles Lewis-Skelly, Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior – Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard – Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka
Match facts and head-to-head
- The teams previously met in the Champions League playoffs in 2006, with Arsenal advancing
- Arsenal has not conceded a goal in three matches against Real
- At least three goals have been scored in 7 previous Gunners' Champions League matches
Prediction
Real performs excellently at home in the main European club tournament – in 19 matches, only one defeat with 15 victories. However, in my opinion, even three goals might not be enough for extra time. Arsenal has not gone without scoring in seven consecutive Champions League matches. Our bet for the match is "Both teams to score" with odds of 1.63.
