Arsenal vs Real Madrid Preview, Odds, Team News, & Predictions – 04/08/2025

The UEFA Champions League quarter-finals are upon us, and eight elite teams will now compete for the coveted trophy as Arsenal and Real Madrid will go head to head at the Emirates Stadium in North London on Tuesday, April 8.

The only time Arsenal and Real Madrid have met in the UEFA Champions League was back in the 2005-06 season when Arsene Wenger masterminded a 1-0 aggregate win in the Round of 16 to eliminate Los Blancos from the competition but Wenger’s men also fell short eventually, losing 2-1 in the final to Barcelona.

Learn more about the odds, team news, picks, and predictions for the thrilling first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid:

Where to watch Arsenal vs Real Madrid

Here is when and where to watch the clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid.

Date: 04/08

Time: 2 pm ET

Location: Emirates Stadium, London

Where to watch: The match can be watched on Paramount+ in the USA

Arsenal vs Real Madrid Preview

Both Arsenal and Real Madrid are placed in 2nd position in their respective leagues and have very less chances of laying their hands on the league trophy. While the odds are stacked against the duo domestically, both sides will be competing for a semi-final place in the Champions League as Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded squad would face Mikel Arteta’s injury-hit squad over two legs in London and Madrid.

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s men dropped more points in the title race as they drew 1-1 against Everton on Saturday and are now 11 points behind Liverpool with 7 matches to go. After years of building and re-building, it seemed like Arteta would help Arsenal win a trophy this season, but the injury crisis has stopped the Gunners from achieving anything significant so far, and they must win the Champions League to quench the fans’ thirst for a trophy.

Gabriel has been ruled out of the rest of the season and Jakub Kiwior replaced him at centre-back in the last Premier League fixture against Everton. Both Ben White and Jurrien Timber are expected to be fully fit for the clash against Real Madrid after featuring for 60 and 30 minutes, respectively, against David Moyes’s men. While Raheem Sterling will miss the first leg due to suspension, the quartet of Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Takehrio Tomiyasu, and Ricardo Calafiori is also expected to miss both legs of the quarter-final tie against Los Blancos.

Predicted Starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Timber, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Martinelli

Real Madrid

Ancelotti would be fuming at his side after they lost 2-1 to Valencia, allowing Barcelona to extend their lead at the top of the La Liga table despite the Blaugrana being held to a draw by Real Betis. While La Liga is still within reach, given that Barcelona drops a few more points before the end of the season, Copa Del Rey and the Champions League would seem more realistic options for Ancelotti to bag a trophy before the end of the season.

Both Thiabaut Courtouis and Andriy Lunin are suffering from muscle issues, which led to Ancelloti fielding 19-year old Fran Gonzales in the loss against Valencia, but the Italian would be hoping that he can count on one of his two first-choice goalkeepers to be fit for the trip to London. Both Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao have been ruled out for the rest of the season, while Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended for the first leg against Arsenal.

Predicted Starting XI: Lunin, Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Garcia, Valverde, Diaz, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius

Arsenal vs Real Madrid Under/Over Predictions

The Playoffs aim to facilitate the safest bets for the game. Have a look at the predictions for the game below.

Total goals Over 2.5 @ +125 (MGM Bet): Both defenses are missing key players which could result in a goal fest but knowing Arteta and Ancelotti, the first leg of the quarter-final could be a quite affair, with the forwards of both teams ready to breath fire in the second leg to seal their semi-final berth.

Arsenal vs Real Madrid Player Picks

Vinicius Jr. (To Score a Goal @ +310 as per MGM Bet): The battle between Vinicius Jr. and Ben White would be one to watch on Tuesday as the Brazilian would be aiming to run rings around the Englishman. The winger has already scored 7 goals in the ongoing Champions League campaign and would be looking to add to those numbers at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal vs Real Madrid Prediction

Arteta is known for running a tight ship and his well-drilled defense will certainly be tested against the likes of Mbappe and Vinicius trying to make the runs while Bellingham acts as the creator-in-chief. On the other hand, Odegaard would be reuniting with many of his old teammates, and the Norweigan would be motivated to showcase how he has come leaps and bounds from his time with the Los Blancos.

Our Final Prediction: A 2-1 win for Arsenal ahead of the second leg in Madrid should keep enough spice in the tie.

ALSO READ: Favorites to win the UEFA Champions League: Full list of odds for all teams to lift the trophy

Mohak Arora

A stand-up comedian and a sports journalist with speciality in writing prediction pieces and features on football, cricket, and badminton. Over the last few years, I have contributed pieces to iGaming giants like Parimatch, 1X News, and Melbet.