Arsenal and Real Madrid clash in a high-stakes UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. This will be Real Madrid’s first visit to North London, and all eyes will be on how both sides handle the pressure.
The Gunners have momentum, but the 15-time champions are a different beast in Europe. Can Arsenal continue their fairy tale or will Madrid’s experience take control?
Arsenal vs Real Madrid: Match Info & Kick-Off Time
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Stadium: Emirates Stadium, London
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Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
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Kick-off: 20:00 BST | 2300 EAT | 12:00 PT
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⚖️ Referee: Irfan Peljto (Bosnia)
⚔️ First-Ever Emirates Clash Between the Giants
Arsenal and Real Madrid last met in 2006, when Thierry Henry’s solo goal gave the Gunners a famous 1-0 aggregate win. Fast-forward 19 years, and Arsenal are back among Europe’s elite.
Mikel Arteta’s side crushed PSV 9-3 on aggregate in the last 16 and enter this fixture full of confidence. Madrid, meanwhile, survived a thriller against Atletico in a penalty shootout and recently lost to Valencia in La Liga.
With both teams showing attacking flair and defensive cracks, this tie could go either way.
️ Arsenal Team News: Injury Concerns but Saka Returns
Gabriel Magalhães has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring issue, meaning Jakub Kiwior is expected to start alongside William Saliba in central defense. Ben White may be rested, with Jurrien Timber likely to start at right-back.
Bukayo Saka is set to return to the XI, while Thomas Partey, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli should all start.
Still unavailable: Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Riccardo Calafiori.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Ødegaard, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
⚪ Real Madrid Team News: Courtois Returns in Time
Madrid fans will be happy to see Thibaut Courtois return in goal, after missing three games with a thigh injury. Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos remain out, and Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended.
Thibaut Courtois: “I feel good, at 100%. I suffered two muscle problems at the beginning of the season, this wasn’t serious, we didn’t want to risk”. pic.twitter.com/BeunnOcoLw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 7, 2025
David Alaba could be deployed at left-back, while Luka Modric may start alongside Eduardo Camavinga in midfield. Madrid’s attack is stacked with stars: Rodrygo, Vinicius, Bellingham, and Mbappe are all available.
⚪ Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Alaba; Modric, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe
Form Guide (Last 5 Matches All Competitions)
Arsenal
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Everton 1-1 Arsenal
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Arsenal 2-1 Fulham
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Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
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Arsenal 2-2 PSV
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Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal
Real Madrid
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Real Madrid 1-2 Valencia
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Real Madrid 4-4 Real Sociedad
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Real Madrid 3-2 Leganes
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Villarreal 1-2 Real Madrid
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Atletico 1-1 Real Madrid (4-2 pens)
Head-to-Head Record
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Arsenal Wins: 1
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Madrid Wins: 0
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Draws: 1
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Last Meeting: Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid (March 2025 – UCL)
JamboBet Predictions & Odds
Match Winner (1X2):
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Arsenal Win – 2.60
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Draw – 3.40
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Madrid Win – 2.50
The bookies give a slight edge to Real Madrid due to their experience, but the Gunners strong home form levels things out. This could go either way.
✅ JamboBet Pick: Draw (X)
⚽ Both Teams to Score (GG):
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Yes – 1.65
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No – 2.20
With so much attacking quality on both sides – Saka, Martinelli, Mbappe, Vinicius, and Bellingham – expect both teams to get on the scoresheet.
✅ JamboBet Pick: Yes (GG)
Over/Under 2.5 Goals:
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Over 2.5 – 1.75
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Under 2.5 – 2.00
Given recent form ( Madrid’s last three games had 3+ goals), Over 2.5 seems a smart choice.
✅ JamboBet Pick: Over 2.5
Arsenal vs Real Madrid Score Prediction
The Emirates will be buzzing, and the Gunners will want to take a lead to Madrid. But the absence of Gabriel at the back is a concern, especially against Los Blanco’s electric front line. Expect an open game with plenty of chances – and goals.
Predicted Scoreline: Arsenal 2-2 Real Madrid
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