*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
Team Overview:
Carlo Ancelotti's side come into this match as the favourites to qualify, but it will certainly not have an easy task, as Real Madrid have been struggling in recent matches, with no wins in their last two games.
These two clubs have met only twice before in European competitions, back in the 2005-06 season, when Arsenal advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to a crucial goal by Thierry Henry, and the Gunners will be hoping for a repeat of that success.
Arsenal's Road to the Quarterfinals:
Arsenal has reached the quarterfinals for the second consecutive seasons, and will hope for a better outcome than last year's elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich after a 2-2 draw at home and a 0-1 defeat in Germany. This season, their journey has been a bit smoother. They finished third in the group stage, behind Liverpool and Barcelona, with 19 points from a possible 24. The Gunners only lost once in the group stage, a 0-1 defeat to Inter Milan at the San Siro.
They advanced directly to the round of 16, where they faced Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven. Arsenal sealed qualification in the first leg, securing an incredible 7-1 victory away at the Philips Stadion. In the second leg, despite resting several key players, they managed a 2-2 draw.
Key Players and Injuries:
Arsenal's most valuable player, Bukayo Saka, has returned to action after more than three months out due to injury. He played 25 minutes against Fulham, scoring an important goal, and featured for a full half in the following match without standing out. Arsenal's top scorer this season is Kai Havertz, with 15 goals and five assists, but he is out for the rest of the season due to an injury.
Mikel Arteta's side has also been dealing with injuries to several other key players, including Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Magalhães, and Riccardo Calafiori. Additionally, Raheem Sterling is suspended for this match.
Real Madrid’s Road to the Quarterfinals:
The most successful team in Champions League history, Real Madrid have lifted the trophy 15 times, most recently just last season, when they defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final. However, this season has not been as convincing, and they are no longer the primary favourites for the trophy. They finished 11th in the group stage with 15 points but advanced to the knockout stages thanks to a strong finish.
In the round of 16, Real Madrid pulled off a stunning victory over Manchester City, winning 3-2 away and 3-1 at home.
Key Players and Injuries:
Kylian Mbappé is undoubtedly in great form, having scored 31 goals in 45 appearances this season. In the Champions League, he has scored seven times, though his chances of winning the top scorer award are slim, with Raphinha leading with 11 goals. Another standout for Madrid has been Vinicius Junior, who has contributed to 30 goals this season (19 goals and 11 assists).
Injuries have also plagued Real Madrid, with Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and Dani Ceballos all sidelined, while Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended.
Head-to-Head Record:
The two teams have met just once in European competition, with Arsenal advancing to the quarterfinals in 2005-06. The two managers, Mikel Arteta and Carlo Ancelotti, have faced each other three times in the Premier League, with Ancelotti leading 2-1 in their personal head-to-head.
Betting Suggestions:
Arsenal to Win: With Real Madrid's recent struggles and Arsenal’s solid form in the Champions League, backing Arsenal to win at home looks a good option.
Over 2.5 Goals: Both teams possess attacking power, and with players like Bukayo Saka, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinicius Junior, there’s a strong chance we’ll see multiple goals.
Both Teams to Score: With offensive threats on both sides, it's likely that both teams will score during this matchup.
Arsenal to Score First: Arsenal has been strong at home, and Real Madrid’s recent defensive issues may allow the Gunners to take the lead early.