Arsenal vs. Real Madrid Prediction: Holders Head to London in Champions League

• Arsenal are looking to become European champions for the first time in their history

• Real Madrid are the reigning champions after winning the tournament last season

• Can either of these teams establish a first-leg lead at the Emirates Stadium?

Arsenal vs. Real Madrid Odds

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Arsenal vs. Real Madrid Pick

Choose a Real Madrid win on Tuesday. Given their quality and experience, the defending champions look overpriced.

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This Could Still Be One of Greatest Seasons in Arsenal’s History

On the one hand, this has been a disappointing season for Arsenal. Having pushed Manchester City so close in two consecutive Premier League campaigns, finishing runners-up in 2022/23 and 2023/24, Mikel Arteta’s men would have seemed to be best placed to take advantage of City’s collapse this term. Instead, it is Liverpool who have stormed in to take the title.

The race for the crown is not over yet, but with an 11-point lead in top spot it is safe to say Liverpool are almost over the line. For the second time in their history, Arsenal will finish second in the Premier League for a third consecutive year (they also did so between 1999 and 2001, the only occasion on which it has happened to date).

Yet for all the understandable frustration at the Emirates Stadium, this could yet be one of the greatest seasons in Arsenal’s illustrious history. The north Londoners have never won the Champions League before. Now they are three successful ties away from ending that drought and lifting the famous trophy.

Arsenal performed well in the league phase, securing a top-eight finish which allowed them to bypass the play-offs. They then eased past PSV in the round of 16, winning 9-3 on aggregate thanks to a stunning 7-1 victory in the away leg. Now comes the biggest test of all: a two-legged quarter-final against the mighty Real Madrid.

Arsenal’s preparation for the first leg has not been ideal. They drew 1-1 with Everton at the weekend, but more significantly they lost Gabriel Magalhaes to injury a few days earlier. That means the Gunners will be without their standout defender (and their biggest set-piece threat) against Madrid. Even so, the sportsbooks have them down as favorites on Tuesday.

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Real Madrid Aiming to Become Kings of Continent Once Again

Real Madrid did not warm up for this match perfectly either. A shock 2-1 home defeat by Valencia at the weekend handed Barcelona the initiative in the La Liga title race, with Carlo Ancelotti’s team now four points shy of the summit of the standings. Barca also have the head-to-head advantage and a superior goal difference to boot.

More than any other club, Madrid are defined by the Champions League. Of course their fans want to win everything, but if they had to choose they would rather be kings of the continent than Spanish champions. With Barcelona now red-hot favorites back home, Madrid might be about to focus their full attention on Europe.

That is potentially bad news for the rest of the continent, although it should be said that Madrid’s potential route to the final is far from straightforward. Arsenal have come on leaps and bounds under Arteta, while PSG and Barcelona are possible opponents in the semis and final respectively.

At the same time, no one would relish facing Madrid. In fact, they are probably the worst possible opponents in this tournament, not only because of their star quality but also due to their fabulous recent record.

Madrid only edged out Atletico Madrid in the last round, winning on penalties in controversial circumstances. That demonstrates they are not entirely dominant in the Champions League. Equally, though, it shows that they usually find a way to get the job done.

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Real Madrid Better Placed to Handle the Occasion Than Arsenal

As well as the aforementioned Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, the Brazilian’s most natural replacement, is also out injured. On top of that, Bukayo Saka has not started a game in 2025. He should be in the XI here, but whether he will be at his best remains to be seen. Finally, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are still sidelined, leaving Arsenal without a striker.

Madrid will not be at full strength either. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are long-term absentees and the Blancos have also been left to sweat over the fitness of No.1 goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who missed the Valencia loss with a muscular complaint. The latest indication is that Courtois will be fit to start, however.

Arsenal are a strong side these days, but there are two distinct areas where Madrid have an advantage. One is in their superior individual talent at the top of the pitch. In Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, Madrid have multiple difference-makers. Arsenal will be overly reliant on a not-fully-healthy Saka for inspiration in the final third.

Secondly, Madrid have masses of Champions League knockout stage experience. That famous white jersey imbues all those who wear it on the European stage with belief and confidence. Conversely, Arsenal looked a little overawed when they lost to Bayern Munich at this stage of the tournament last year.

At the odds available, it is hard to overlook a Madrid win here. Given their quality and heritage in this competition, Ancelotti’s team have a good chance of winning at the Emirates.

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How to Watch Arsenal vs. Real Madrid

• Teams: Arsenal vs. Real Madrid

• Location: Emirates Stadium, London, England

• Date and Time: Tuesday, 8 April 2025, 15:00 PM ET 

• How to Watch: Paramount+