The Santiago Bernabéu prepares to host what could be one of the most interesting European nights of the season, as Real Madrid attempt to overturn a three-goal deficit against Arsenal in their Champions League quarterfinal second leg.
The Gunners arrive in Madrid with a 3-0 advantage following their first leg victory, where Declan Rice’s stunning free-kick brace and Mikel Merino’s clinical finish put Mikel Arteta’s side in a dominant position.
While history and statistics suggest the task ahead for Los Blancos is monumental, if there’s one venue in world football where the impossible routinely becomes reality, it’s the Bernabéu. As Jude Bellingham admitted after the first leg: “We’re lucky to get away with three. We’re going to need something unbelievably special, something crazy – but if there’s one place where crazy things can happen, it’s our house.”
Key Details
- Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
- Kick-off: 20:00 (UK Time)
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
- Where to Watch: BT Sport
- First Leg Result: Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid (April 8, 2025)
Current Form
Real Madrid’s Season So Far
The reigning European champions have gone three games without a win (D1 L2) for the first time since early 2023. Their defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed at the Emirates, coming just days after a concerning 2-1 home defeat to Valencia that had already raised questions about Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Madrid’s form has been inconsistent of late, with four defeats in their last nine matches across all competitions – as many losses as they suffered in their previous 27 games. Their Champions League journey this campaign has been similarly uneven, highlighted by a group stage performance that placed them only 11th in the overall standings.
Despite these struggles, the Spanish giants have shown resilience in the knockout phases, eliminating Manchester City in the play-offs with a 3-1 home victory and dispatching local rivals Atlético Madrid on penalties in the round of 16. Eduardo Camavinga’s suspension following his red card in London further complicates Ancelotti’s preparations for a match where tactical perfection will be required.
Arsenal’s Season So Far
The Gunners arrive in Madrid on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions, showing the consistency that’s made them strong contenders both at home – where they’re currently second – and in Europe. Declan Rice’s sensational free-kicks in the first leg highlighted Arsenal’s growing maturity on the European stage.
Arsenal’s Champions League campaign has gathered momentum after a mixed group stage, with a total 9-3 aggregate victory over PSV Eindhoven in the round of 16 – including a record-breaking 7-1 away win – signalling their potential to go deep in the competition.
However, concerns remain over the fitness of some key players. Both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were withdrawn with knocks in the first leg, while centre-back Gabriel Magalhães’ season-ending hamstring injury and the continued absence of forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz limit Arteta’s options. The Gunners’ squad depth will be thoroughly tested as they aim to reach their first Champions League semifinal since 2009.
Real Madrid vs Arsenal: Head-to-Head Record
| Date | Competition | Result |
| April 8, 2025 | Champions League | Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid |
| March 7, 2006 | Champions League | Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid |
| February 21, 2006 | Champions League | Real Madrid 0-1 Arsenal |
These sides basically have no recent history, with their only previous Champions League knockout tie coming in the 2005/06 round of 16. On that occasion, Thierry Henry’s magnificent solo goal at the Bernabéu made Arsenal the first English team to win at Real Madrid’s fortress – a victory that helped propel the Gunners to their only Champions League final.
The manner of Arsenal’s first leg win suggests a shift in the dynamics between these European heavyweights. However, Real Madrid’s record of seven consecutive Champions League quarter-final victories against English opposition is a sobering reminder of their pedigree in these contests.
Statistical Insights & Facts
- Real Madrid have won 33 of their 39 previous European Cup quarter-final ties, including their last 12
- Arsenal have prevailed in two of their eight European Cup quarter-finals
- Los Blancos have never overturned a three-goal first leg deficit in the Champions League era
- Real Madrid have lost only four home matches against English clubs in European competition
- Arsenal have won just five of their 19 away matches against Spanish sides
- The Gunners have won all three ties in which the home first leg finished 3-0
Champions League | Real Madrid vs Arsenal: Odds
7bet provides the following odds for the next Champions League match between Real Madrid and Arsenal.
| Market | Selection | Odds |
| 1X2 | Real Madrid | 11/17 |
| Draw | 7/2 | |
| Arsenal | 7/2 | |
| To Qualify | Real Madrid | 9/2 |
| Arsenal | 2/13 | |
| First Goal | Real Madrid | 1/2 |
| No Goal | 19/1 | |
| Arsenal | 17/11 | |
| Double Chance | Real Madrid or Draw | 2/11 |
| Real Madrid or Arsenal | 2/9 | |
| Draw or Arsenal | 11/10 | |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 4/7 |
| No | 13/10 | |
| Draw No Bet | Real Madrid | 2/7 |
| Arsenal | 12/5 |
Please note that these odds are accurate at the time of publishing. Make sure to check the latest odds before placing your bet.
The Match-Up
Real Madrid must strike the delicate balance between all-out attack and defensive caution – a single Arsenal goal would require the hosts to score five to progress. For Ancelotti, the absence of Camavinga further complicates a midfield puzzle that was fully outplayed in London.
Arsenal enter the match with the luxury of knowing a cautious approach could be sufficient, but Arteta has consistently demonstrated a commitment to his team’s attacking principles regardless of the opposition. The potential fitness concerns surrounding Saka and Rice might influence the Spaniard’s approach.
The Bernabéu atmosphere will undoubtedly play its part, with Madrid supporters desperate to witness another famous European comeback. However, this Arsenal side appears more mentally resilient than previous iterations, with leaders like Ødegaard – facing his former club – and William Saliba providing the backbone required to withstand intense pressure.
Real Madrid’s European pedigree demands respect, but Arsenal’s first leg performance has given them a dominating position that even the kings of continental competition may struggle to overcome. The winner of this match will face formidable opposition in the semifinals, but both teams have demonstrated the quality needed to harbor legitimate hopes of reaching the final in Munich, on May 31.
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