Arsenal Hosts Real Madrid in Champions League Quarter-Final First Leg

London, England – Arsenal welcomes Real Madrid for the first leg of their 2025 UEFA Champions League quarter-final on April 8 at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners, led by manager Mikel Arteta, are aiming to extend their impressive European campaign, while Madrid hopes to maintain their title defense as the reigning champions.

Arsenal enters this match with a strong determination to succeed despite a challenging season in the Premier League, where title hopes have dwindled. The Gunners advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating PSV with a 9-3 aggregate victory. In contrast, Real Madrid overcame Atletico Madrid in a tense penalty shootout, showcasing their resilience as they seek to win their 16th Champions League title.

Kickoff for tonight’s clash is set for 3 p.m. ET, and the match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Europe’s top clubs. The squad lineup for Arsenal includes goalkeeper David Raya, defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, and a frontline led by young star Bukayo Saka, who starts his first match since a hamstring injury in December.

Real Madrid’s lineup features notable names such as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. The club’s recent struggles, including a 1-2 loss to Valencia, have raised concerns about their form, with pressure mounting to deliver performance at this high level.

Arsenal’s history against Real Madrid adds another layer of intrigue to the tie. The two clubs faced each other in 2006, where a memorable goal by Thierry Henry secured Arsenal’s progression past Madrid. The current squad aims to rewrite history and create a new chapter, as this match marks only their second meeting in Champions League history.

Arteta emphasized the importance of belief and mindset heading into this critical fixture. “I’m convinced that the team can compete really well — and that we can beat them,” he said. “This club needs to be in this stage of competitions regularly, and now we need to win.”

On the opposing side, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti acknowledges the significance of this match, stating, “We know how to prepare for this level of competition. All players are ready to give their best tonight.” His team’s recent performances suggest the need to find their best form, especially with an attacking lineup that boasts immense talent.

The Gunners have a unique statistic to their favor, having led longer than any other side in the Champions League this season, totaling 568 minutes. The squad’s determination reflects a strong desire to advance to the semi-finals for the first time under Arteta’s leadership.

As Arsenal gears up for this pivotal encounter, the club’s fans are prepared to create an electrifying atmosphere at the Emirates. Saka, who has spent much of the season sidelined due to injury, expressed eagerness for the match: “It’s a massive game for us, and we feel ready. The fans are integral to our success, and we hope to deliver a memorable performance.”

With both teams battling injuries and under pressure to perform, the outcome of this first leg will be crucial heading into next week’s second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. The stakes are high as Arsenal looks to secure a favorable result against football’s most successful club.