Arsenal and Real Madrid prepare for the much-anticipated second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie. The match, scheduled for this Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, is crucial for both teams, albeit for different reasons. Arsenal will look to solidify their power with a 3-nil first leg win already under their belts. On the other side, Real Madrid need to stick up a major test as they pursue their seventh Champions League crown in only 12 seasons.
Arsenal will be under tremendous pressure as they will need a win to advance. They’ve never won Europe’s top club tournament, despite reaching the final during the 2005-06 season, when they fell in cruel fashion to Barcelona. As it is, they are looking to make it nine quarterfinal legs without defeat to a European side. Recent performance raises concerns. The Gunners experienced a setback on Saturday, drawing 1-1 at home against mid-table Premier League side Brentford.
Real Madrid will be determined to change their fortune following a crushing first leg. On top of that the team has had to deal with emotional and physical injuries, and now a series of suspensions. Star forward Kylian Mbappe saw red in their last match against Alaves. This move has raised immediate red flags regarding the team’s lack of offensive firepower. Furthermore, defensive midfielder Jorginho is questionable for the match.
Arsenal’s Injury Woes
Arsenal side that heads into the Bernabéu are missing a number of key players through injury. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu and our new centerback signing Gabriel Magalhaes joined Riccardo Calafiori on the end of season injured list. Their absences have been made official. Their absence would be a huge miss for Arsenal as they go in search of reaching their first semifinals.
Even with these injuries, Arsenal is still well-equipped to create depth from their bench. Players such as Mikel Merino have muscle not just in the midfield, but as a gargantuan force engineered in the forward line. He has six goals in his last 11 in all competitions. He is expected to spearhead the charge. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka will flank him on the wings, and both have been incredibly important players for the Gunners this year.
Instead, Arsenal’s manager has repeatedly called on his team to focus on keeping their heads while they make their way through this rocky road of a fixture. Arsenal are in excellent shape and riding high on the confidence from the first leg. Beyond that, they’re confident they can survive the pressure from Real Madrid and get through to the next round.
Real Madrid’s Path to Comeback
Real Madrid have a long road ahead if they want to get back into this match against Arsenal. To advance to the semifinals, they have to win by a minimum of four goals in regulation or extra time. Or they can hold at least a 3-3 draw and win the penalty shootout 10-9. Though a terrifying prospect, Real Madrid have proven this season and in past Champions League seasons that they can be tussled with.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side is further strengthened by the return of midfielder Dani Ceballos. His on-field presence will be indispensable as Real Madrid looks to reestablish dominance in the midfield duels. The new skipper is set to put his dream team of heavy hitters on the field. He’ll have Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham running at Arsenal’s defense in waves.
Real Madrid had a pretty tough first game. They do have a formidable record in home Champions League knockout matches. They’re undefeated with 14 wins out of their last 15 home games. This outlandish streak is evidence that they enjoy a distinct advantage when competing on their own turf.
“Already thinking about Wednesday! We’re ready and looking forward to it. We’ll wait for you [Arsenal] at the Bernabeu and we’ll try everything. We are the Real! Hala Madrid.”
Plus, the tactical matchup between Arsenal and Real Madrid should be incredibly fun and fascinating to watch. Arsenal will have to find the right line between defensive organization and attacking invention as they cope with a skeleton crew of absences. The Gunners’ capacity to capitalize on chinks in Real Madrid’s offensive approach could be key.
The Tactical Battle
Real Madrid need to be primarily concerned with converting any opportunities your galaxy of attacking stars will undoubtedly create. So the team needs to keep up constant possession and pressure. This key approach will be essential for them to make a strong return.
It’s safe to say that neither team will be overlooking what’s at stake. On one side, Arsenal look to cement their newfound place among Europe’s elite clubs, whilst Real Madrid hope to maintain their legacy as one of the most successful teams in Champions League history.
Both teams understand what is at stake; for Arsenal, it is a chance to solidify their status among Europe’s elite clubs, while for Real Madrid, it is about preserving their legacy as one of the most successful teams in Champions League history.
