To avoid once again going trophyless, Arsenal, who have been out of the Premier League title race for some time now, have only one chance: to win the Champions League, something the Gunners have never managed to do in the past. Before reaching the semifinals, however, there is an “Everest” to be climbed, namely Real Madrid, who have a unique feeling for this competition, having lifted the cup with the big ears 15 times in their history. And who, moreover, are the reigning European champions.
Mikel Arteta’s team, despite having to deal with numerous injuries – in recent months they have played with practically no real strikers – have so far given their best in the Champions League: Third in the single-round group stage – 4 wins out of 4 and zero goals conceded in front of their fans – in the round of 16 they feasted on poor PSV Eindhoven, annihilating them 7-1 in the first leg in the Netherlands (the return match ended 2-2). In the Premier League, on the other hand, the Gunners, currently second in the standings, have made a few too many missteps – the last one last Saturday at Everton’s, where they couldn’t manage anything more than a draw (1-1) – and have been unable to keep up with Liverpool, who have the title in the bag by now.
Blancos intermittently
On the other hand, Real Madrid can still achieve the infamous “Triplete”. The Blancos are in full swing on all fronts: Carlo Ancelotti’s men are engaged in a thrilling duel with their eternal rivals Barcelona in La Liga, and they will also face them in the final of the Copa del Rey.
Injuries, however, are also tormenting the Italian coach: Real Madrid, although supported by their stars, are struggling to find consistency in an increasingly busy schedule. This explains the defeat last Saturday against Valencia, who won 1-2 at the “Bernabeu” thanks to a goal from Hugo Duro in injury time.
A defeat that could have derailed the Merengues’ title race, but Barcelona, stopped by Betis, incredibly did not take advantage of it, gaining only one point on the Madrid team and going to +4. Compared to Arsenal, Mbappé and his teammates had to play two more games, as they didn’t finish in the top eight in the maxi-standings: once they had easily beaten Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City (beating them both home and away) in the play-off, the Blancos had to sweat blood and tears to get the better of their city rivals Atletico Madrid, only winning on penalties after two very close games.
In London, Ancelotti will not be able to count on the injured Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Ceballos, nor on the suspended Tchouaméni, while goalkeeper Courtois remains doubtful, not yet 100%. On the other hand, Arteta has Saka and Martinelli back but the infirmary remains crowded: in addition to Gabriel Jesus and Havertz, whose season ended early, Gabriel and Calafiori are also unavailable. Out through suspension Sterling, booked in the last game (yellow card at odds 17.00 taken from the Telegram channel of the Soothsayer, click here to subscribe for free).
Odds comparison
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The prediction
The last time Arsenal and Real played each other was back in 2006. It was a Champions League round of 16 match and the Gunners came out on top thanks to the only goal scored by Thierry Henry in both the first and second leg. Unlike last time, we expect two more prolific and eventful matches: for the Blancos, not brilliant in their last few outings, especially when not in possession of the ball, it will be a complicated match but we believe they will manage to score at least one goal in the Londoners’ fortress, keeping the qualification games open ahead of the return leg.
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The probable Arsenal-Real Madrid line-ups
ARSENAL (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Partey, Odegaard; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.
REAL MADRID (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Valverde, Raul Asencio, Rudiger, Fran Garcia; Camavinga, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappé.