Real Madrid are chasing yet another famous Champions League comeback as they host Arsenal live at the Santiago Bernabéu for the second leg of the 2025 quarter-finals.
After a brutal 3-0 defeat at the Emirates, the defending champions need a near-perfect night to stay alive in the tournament.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are counting on both experience and mystique. “We have all the resources we need to turn this tie around,” Ancelotti said in the pre-match presser. Midfielder Jude Bellingham added, “We’re excited about making a comeback.” The squad is stacked with talent, but they’ll be without Eduardo Camavinga, who’s suspended. Aurelien Tchouameni slots in his place.
Real Madrid Starting XI
Courtois, Lucas V., Asencio, Rüdiger, Alaba, Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Mbappé
Real Madrid substitutes: Fran González, Sergio Mestre, Luka Modrić, Arda Güler, Endrick, Jesús Vallejo, Dani Ceballos, Fran García, Brahim Díaz
Arsenal Starting XI
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Merino
Arsenal substitutes: Neto, Hubert Setford, Kieran Tierney, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Michal Rosiak, Henry-Francis, Leandro Trossard, Butler-Oyedeji, Gower, Raheem Sterling, Ethan Nwaneri
Arsenal, meanwhile, are in red-hot form. Mikel Arteta is sticking with the same XI that dismantled Madrid in the first leg. Despite drawing with Brentford on the weekend, the Gunners are unbeaten in their last nine matches. Their away form is just as lethal, only one loss in their last 15 on the road.
Kai Havertz, Arsenal’s top scorer with 15 goals, is out due to injury, but they still have Bukayo Saka, Martinelli, and Odegaard ready to punish any Madrid slip-ups.
Real Madrid fans are no strangers to miracle nights at home. With the Bernabéu at full voice, this is shaping up to be another unforgettable evening. But they’ll need goals, and fast.
What’s at Stake?
A spot in the semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain awaits. For Arsenal, this could be a statement night, a giant-killing on enemy soil. For Madrid, it’s about legacy and survival in a competition they practically own.
Kick-off is at 9 PM CEST (12:30 AM IST). Buckle up, it’s going to be dramatic.
Live Blog: Real Madrid vs Arsenal
