The first leg of the 2024/25 Champions League quarter-final between Arsenal (England) and Real Madrid (Spain) will take place on April 8 at the Emirates Stadium in London. Arsenal vs. Real Madrid: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Arsenal
The Londoners breezed through the group stage, suffering only one defeat in eight matches (6 wins and 1 draw). The team finished third and qualified directly for the round of 16, where they easily dispatched PSV, knocking out the Dutch side in the first away match (7-1). In the return leg, the Gunners comfortably played out a draw (2-2). Notably, the English side has reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the second consecutive season.
- Arsenal is on a six-match unbeaten run in this European competition (5 wins and 1 draw).
- At least three goals have been scored in Arsenal's last six Champions League games.
- The team has scored two or more goals in their last six matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Arsenal (4-3-3)
David Raya – Miles Lewis-Skelly, Kieran Tierney, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior – Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard – Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard.
Forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, as well as defenders Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhães, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, will miss out due to injuries. Forward Raheem Sterling is suspended.
Real Madrid
The Spaniards finished only 11th in the group stage, requiring them to play playoff matches against Manchester City. Real Madrid overcame the Citizens in both encounters (3-2 and 3-1) and advanced to the round of 16 to face Atletico. Carlo Ancelotti's side narrowly edged past their city rivals, winning only in a penalty shootout. Interestingly, Real Madrid has reached the semi-finals of this European competition for the fifth consecutive time, winning the Champions League twice in that span.
- Before their recent loss to Atletico, the club had a six-match winning streak in regular time in this European competition.
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of Real Madrid's last 7 Champions League matches.
- Two or more goals have been scored in the second half in 6 of the team's last 8 matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Real Madrid (4-3-3)
Thibaut Courtois – Raul Asensio, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran Garcia, Lucas Vazquez – Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham – Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappe.
Due to injuries, goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, defenders Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal, as well as midfielder Dani Ceballos, are unavailable. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended.
Referee
Irfan Peljto (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Matches – 13 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 47;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 62%.
Arsenal vs. Real Madrid: Match Prediction
Both teams approach the first leg with issues related to injuries among key players. Arsenal has losses in central defense, while several Real Madrid defenders are also injured. Additionally, Real Madrid is facing difficulties with their two main goalkeepers. Clearly, both clubs will try to exploit the defensive weaknesses of their opponents, so a high-scoring game is expected.
It's worth noting that the Gunners have scored in their last six Champions League matches, while conceding in 5 of their last 7 games in this tournament. Meanwhile, Real Madrid has not left the field without scoring in regular time in 6 of their last 7 matches in this European competition. However, they have also conceded in 11 of their last 12 Champions League games. Therefore, I predict that both teams will score in this game.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
