Champions League Quarter-Final: Arsenal Aims to Defeat Real Madrid

Real Madrid's dominance will be put to the test as they face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final. Will the Gunners be able to pull off an upset?

The highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final match between Arsenal and Real Madrid is set to take place on Tuesday evening at the Emirates Stadium. The two teams are expected to deliver a thrilling performance, given their respective playing styles. Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal fans to “raise the roof” in support of their team, saying, “I hope, I encourage them (Arsenal fans) to come very early to the warm-up and create (one of) those nights…we haven’t lived many of those at the Emirates, so that’s an opportunity again.”

Gabriel's Impact on Arsenal's Season

The loss of Gabriel to a season-ending injury is undoubtedly a significant blow to Arsenal's Champions League hopes. The Brazilian defender had been a consistent performer for the Gunners throughout the 2024/25 campaign. However, Arteta believes that the team can still make a deep run in the competition. He emphasized the importance of creating a special atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium, stating, “When we build history, we have to build moments, and a moment is being built with our people. We have to create that energy, that belief, that enthusiasm.”

Gabriel has been an integral part of Arsenal's lineup this season, starting 40 games and playing 3,500 minutes, with only William Saliba matching his starting record. The centre-back has consistently demonstrated defensive excellence, boasting a pass accuracy of 90.5% and a pass completion rate of 64.3%. His impressive defensive statistics include 128 clearances, 101 ball recoveries, and 23 interceptions.

Gabriel has also proven to be a valuable asset at set pieces, scoring five goals this campaign. This tally is just two behind the likes of Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus, highlighting his significant contribution to the team's attacking plays. His overall performance has made him a key player for Arsenal, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt.

The scene is set.

📍 Arsenal Stadium pic.twitter.com/BHdVCuYgPo

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 8, 2025

Defensive Excellence and Set Piece Threat

Arsenal have a perfect record against Real Madrid, having never lost to the Spanish giants. Their previous encounters in European competition include a last-16 tie in the 2005/06 Champions League, where Arsenal won 1-0 away from home and drew 0-0 at Highbury in the second leg. This historical advantage could give the Gunners a psychological boost as they prepare to face Real Madrid in their upcoming match.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, have a strong record in knockout stage ties, with an unbeaten run of eight matches (W5 D3). They have also had success against English teams in the Champions League, beating seven sides previously. However, Arsenal can take heart from their own impressive defensive statistics, having led for longer than any other team in the competition (568 minutes overall). They also rank first in the Champions League for xG against per game (0.88) and have conceded fewer goals per game than all but Inter (0.6).

One player Arsenal will need to be wary of is Kylian Mbappe, who has a prolific record against English teams in the Champions League. The French World Cup winner has scored 10 goals in 16 games against English opponents, including four goals in two matches against Manchester City in this season's play-off round. Mbappe's pace and skill will pose a significant threat to Arsenal's defense, and the Gunners will need to be at their best to contain him.

Arsenal's defensive statistics provide a boost to their confidence ahead of the match. They have led for longer than any other team in the competition, with a total of 568 minutes overall. Additionally, they rank first in the Champions League for xG against per game (0.88), and only Inter have conceded fewer goals per game (0.6). These impressive defensive numbers could give Arsenal an edge as they face Real Madrid.

However, one player who poses a significant threat to Arsenal's defense is Kylian Mbappe. The French World Cup winner has an impressive record against English teams in the Champions League, scoring 10 goals in 16 games. Four of those goals came in two matches against Manchester City in this season's play-off round. Mbappe's speed and skill will be a challenge for Arsenal's defenders, and they will need to be at their best to contain him.

Real Madrid have a reputation for consistently delivering results, which is largely fueled by their unwavering confidence and self-belief. This aura of invincibility can be intimidating to opposing teams, and Arsenal will need to match Real's mentality to stand a chance. If the Gunners can tap into their own confidence and play with a similar level of conviction, it could lead to an exciting and competitive match at the Emirates.

In their last 12 games, Real Madrid have shown a mix of brilliance and inconsistency, with a record of seven wins, two draws, and three losses. While they have been able to grind out narrow victories, they have also struggled with consistency, conceding at least twice in their last three games. This vulnerability could provide Arsenal with an opportunity to exploit in the first leg, particularly if they can capitalize on Real's defensive lapses.

👕🔢 All set in our dressing room! pic.twitter.com/caBPpaqxsP

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 8, 2025

Arsenal's Form and Motivation

The Gunners have shown decent form in recent matches, remaining unbeaten in their last seven games and winning seven of their last 12. They have earned creditable draws away from home against Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and Everton, and their home draw against PSV was largely inconsequential given their dominant 7-1 win in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie. Arsenal's only notable disappointments since January have been a home defeat to West Ham and a Carabao Cup semi-final loss to Newcastle.

With the Premier League title likely out of reach, the Champions League represents Arsenal's best chance at securing silverware this season. This should provide a strong incentive for the players to give their all over the next 180 minutes, with or without the injured Gabriel. Mikel Arteta can expect maximum effort from his squad as they face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, and a strong performance could make all the difference in their pursuit of a trophy.