Real Madrid vs Arsenal

Real Madrid’s Champions League title defense faces a Herculean task as they entertain Arsenal at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in the return leg of their quarter-final tie. 

Reigning Champions League holders Real Madrid are staring down the barrel of a fourth consecutive elimination at the hands of Premier League opposition after a disheartening 3-0 defeat in London. Despite overhauling a first-leg away defeat 25 times at Europe’s top table, the magnitude of the task awaiting Carlo Ancelotti’s side is too significant to be overlooked. Indeed, ‘Los Blancos’ narrowly edged La Liga minnows Alaves 1-0 to return to winning ways last weekend, halting a dismal three-game winless run in the process (D1, L2). However, it was hardly an ideal preparation for this fixture, not least because they lost star forward Kylian Mbappe to a first-half red card. Mbappe will be eligible to play here, with Madrid looking to score 3+ goals for the sixth time in their last 11 home outings.

On the other hand, Arsenal extended their unbeaten streak in all competitions to nine matches with a 1-1 draw against Premier League rivals Brentford at the weekend (W4, D5), solidifying their hopes of reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009. Adding to the Gunners’ optimism, they’ve emerged victorious from six of their last eight encounters against La Liga opposition (D1, L1). That’s not to mention they’ve progressed from 18 of the 20 two-legged UEFA Ties when winning the first leg on home turf. Defensive solidity will be crucial, with Mikel Arteta’s side conceding under 1.5 goals on their last nine Champions League road trips suggesting they’re perfectly positioned to see the job through.