UCL: Arsenal vs Real Madrid match preview kick-off time and injury updates

UCL: Arsenal vs Real Madrid match preview kick-off time and injury updates

Arsenal and Real Madrid are set for a blockbuster encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, as two of Europe’s most storied clubs collide in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

For Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal side, this tie represents a pivotal moment in their European renaissance. The Gunners tore through the last 16 with an emphatic 7-1 win over PSV Eindhoven in the first leg, followed by a comfortable 2-2 draw at home. While their Premier League form has faltered in recent weeks—with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Everton allowing Liverpool to edge ahead in the title race—Arsenal’s European form at the Emirates has been impeccable. They are unbeaten in their last 10 Champions League home matches, keeping clean sheets in eight of those games.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, reached this stage the hard way. After being pegged back early by city rivals Atletico Madrid in the last 16, Carlo Ancelotti’s men held their nerve to advance on penalties. The 15-time European champions have made the quarter-finals in each of the last five seasons and haven’t been eliminated at this stage since 2004, winning all 12 of their two-legged ties in that time.

However, Madrid’s domestic form has dipped slightly in recent weeks. A 4-2 defeat to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey second leg wasn’t enough to deny them a spot in the final, but a 2-1 home loss to Valencia—courtesy of a 95th-minute Hugo Duro header—will have dented their momentum ahead of their first-ever competitive visit to the Emirates.

Kickoff Time:

The UEFA Champions League game will commence at exactly 8 PM (West African Time) on Tuesday, at the Emirates Stadium in London.

Arsenal are set to host Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Emirates Stadium in London. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM BST (9:00 PM CET).

Team News and Injury Updates

Arsenal

The Gunners face significant injury concerns ahead of this crucial fixture. Central defender Gabriel Magalhães sustained a hamstring injury during a recent match against Fulham and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Additionally, forward Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined due to an ACL injury suffered in January, which required surgery and is projected to keep him out until at least November. Midfielder Mikel Merino, despite a minor scare during the warm-up against Everton, is fit and available for selection.

Real Madrid

Los Blancos have received a boost with the return of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has recovered from a knee issue that sidelined him for 22 days and is expected to start. However, left-back Ferland Mendy remains unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Midfielder Dani Ceballos has been included in the squad after partially training with the group, though his participation remains uncertain. Furthermore, Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modrić, Antonio Rüdiger, and Endrick are at risk of suspension for the second leg if they receive yellow cards in this match.

Match Officials

Bosnian referee Irfan Peljto has been appointed to officiate this encounter. This marks the second time he will oversee a Real Madrid match in the Champions League.

Broadcast Information

In the United Kingdom, the match will be available for live streaming on Amazon Prime Video. An Amazon Prime subscription is required to access the stream.

Tactical Overview

Arsenal, under manager Mikel Arteta, will need to adjust their defensive setup in the absence of Gabriel Magalhães. Options include pairing Ben White with William Saliba in central defense or introducing Jakub Kiwior. In attack, the responsibility will likely fall on Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard to provide creativity and goal-scoring threats.

Real Madrid, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, will look to capitalize on their attacking prowess, with players like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham posing significant threats. The return of Courtois adds stability to their defense, while the absence of Mendy may require tactical adjustments on the left flank.

Key Players to Watch

Arsenal

Declan Rice: The midfielder’s ability to control the tempo and break up opposition play will be crucial in countering Real Madrid’s dynamic midfield.

Bukayo Saka: His pace and creativity on the wing can exploit any defensive vulnerabilities, especially given Real Madrid’s injuries in the full-back positions.

Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham: The English midfielder has been instrumental for Madrid, contributing significantly in both attack and defense.

Vinícius Júnior: His agility and goal-scoring ability make him a constant threat to any defense.

Conclusion

This quarter-final clash promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Europe’s elite clubs. Both teams have their share of injury concerns, but the depth and quality in their squads suggest a competitive match is on the horizon. Arsenal will aim to leverage their home advantage, while Real Madrid will look to secure a favorable result ahead of the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.