Arsenal host Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, with the Premier League side confident they can take a decisive step toward a famous European scalp.
While Real Madrid arrive in north London as 14-time European champions, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal believe the timing and conditions favour a home victory. The Spanish side have several players sidelined or walking a suspension tightrope, while Arsenal’s tactical discipline and defensive form offer a platform for success.
Madrid will be without defenders Ferland Mendy and Éder Militão, while midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni is suspended. Dani Carvajal’s continued absence could see Federico Valverde again deployed at right-back, weakening Madrid’s midfield and exposing their defence — especially against Arsenal’s wide threats.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is expected to exploit Madrid’s improvised backline. With Valverde and potentially Fran García or David Alaba covering the full-back positions, the Gunners' wingers could find space to attack.
Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard will lead a midfield likely to face the ageing Luka Modrić and out-of-form Eduardo Camavinga — another tactical mismatch that could favour the hosts.
Real Madrid’s recent defensive record has raised questions. The Spanish side have conceded nine goals in their last four matches and 12 during the Champions League group stage, compared to Arsenal’s three. In La Liga, Madrid have shipped more goals than several domestic rivals, despite topping the table.
Arteta’s Arsenal, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last 18 league fixtures against fellow ‘Big Six’ opposition and boast one of Europe’s most organised defensive units. Arsenal have not conceded more than two goals in a game for over a year and will look to frustrate Madrid’s forward line while creating chances through transitions and set pieces.
Madrid players including Vinícius Júnior, Antonio Rüdiger, Modrić and Camavinga are all one booking away from suspension, potentially limiting their aggression in midfield and defence. For Arsenal, only Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli and Jurrien Timber face similar risks.
While Arsenal are without Gabriel Magalhães and Kai Havertz, they have tactical flexibility and squad depth to cover. Jakub Kiwior and Ben White are expected to start in defence, with Rice anchoring midfield and Saka, Martinelli, and potentially Leandro Trossard forming the attacking trio.
Though Madrid remain dangerous with game-changers like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius, Arsenal’s cohesion and structure may prove decisive. At the Emirates, where they have beaten major European sides before, the Gunners aim to set the tone for the tie.
If Arsenal can seize this opportunity, a first-leg victory could shift momentum their way — even with a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabéu to follow.
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