UEFA Champions League Night: Arsenal Starting XI to Face Real Madrid
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces an anxious wait over the fitness of Thomas Partey ahead of their crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
The Ghanaian midfielder opened the scoring during Arsenal’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Brentford but was forced off shortly afterward due to a knock.
Although the issue does not appear to be serious, Partey’s availability remains uncertain and will be assessed, alongside Jorginho and Ben White. Jorginho sustained a rib injury during the same match, while White was sidelined before kickoff.
Partey, deployed as a makeshift right-back at the weekend, could return to his usual midfield role if cleared to play.
However, Jurrien Timber may reclaim his spot in defense, and youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly could once again be tasked with containing Rodrygo after his disciplined showing in the first leg.
With Riccardo Calafiori still struggling with a knee issue, Jakub Kiwior is expected to retain his place at the back, partnering William Saliba, after the pair impressed in the first leg. David Raya will continue in goal.
In midfield, if Partey is declared fit, he will likely take up the defensive role, supporting captain Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice. Rice, who scored twice from free kicks in the first leg, remains a key figure for the Gunners.
Up front, Mikel Merino, who has a strong scoring record against Real Madrid, is likely to be included again, possibly joining Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in attack unless required further back in midfield.
Arsenal will be aiming to capitalize on their first-leg advantage and secure a spot in the semi-finals against a formidable Madrid side.
When the UEFA Champions League anthem blares across the Santiago Bernabéu and millions of fans around the world tune in for one of the most mouthwatering fixtures of the season, Arsenal will be ready. After years in the European wilderness, the Gunners are not just back on the big stage—they are competing, contending, and making a statement.
Their quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid is not just a test of skill, but one of mentality. Mikel Arteta’s side impressed in the first leg with intensity, tactical discipline, and fearlessness, managing to hold their own against the 14-time European champions. But now, in the lion’s den, it’s a different story.
With injuries clouding their preparations and the margin for error razor thin, much will depend on Arteta’s chosen starting XI. Who gets the nod in this season-defining clash?
Here’s a deep dive into Arsenal’s likely starting lineup to face Real Madrid—and the tactical thinking behind each selection.
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Goalkeeper: David Raya
There’s no debate in goal. David Raya, Arsenal’s first-choice keeper this season, will start between the sticks. His calmness under pressure, sharp reflexes, and elite distribution have given Arteta the style and confidence he wants in a modern goalkeeper.
Raya’s ability to play out from the back will be crucial in navigating Real Madrid’s high press, while his positioning and communication will be key against players like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham who thrive in chaos.
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Right Back: Ben White
A model of consistency, Ben White has made the right-back position his own. Equally comfortable defending one-on-one and tucking into midfield to form overloads, White has been vital to Arsenal’s buildup and transitional control.
Up against Vinícius, he’ll need to be at his sharpest—this battle could define the outcome of the match. Expect White to play a more reserved role than usual, with priority on defensive shape and cover.
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Centre Back: William Saliba
No Arsenal player has drawn more plaudits this season than William Saliba. Tall, quick, composed, and dominant in the air, he’s transformed Arsenal’s defense into one of the most formidable in Europe.
Saliba’s duel with Bellingham or Rodrygo—depending on Real Madrid’s setup—will be one for the ages. His ability to read the game and cover ground in recovery situations will be essential in handling Madrid’s fluid attack.
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Centre Back: Jakub Kiwior
With Gabriel Magalhães doubtful due to a groin issue, the left center-back role could fall to Jakub Kiwior. The Polish international has shown glimpses of quality when called upon, but this would be his biggest test yet.
Kiwior offers balance as a left-footer and is competent on the ball. However, he’ll need to keep nerves in check and maintain positional discipline, especially with Madrid’s penchant for diagonal switches and quick central combinations.
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Left Back: Oleksandr Zinchenko
Though not always the most defensively sound, Zinchenko offers Arsenal control in midfield and buildup superiority. In a game where keeping possession and resisting pressure is vital, his technical ability and tactical intelligence are invaluable.
Zinchenko will likely invert into midfield during possession phases, helping create numerical advantages against Madrid’s trio of Kroos, Valverde, and Bellingham. However, defensively, he must be alert to overlaps and quick counters.
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Defensive Midfield: Declan Rice
This is where Arsenal fans can breathe easier. Declan Rice, arguably their most complete midfielder, will anchor the team. His presence is vital—both as a screen in front of the defense and as a transitional powerhouse.
Rice will be tasked with breaking up Madrid’s attacks, winning second balls, and driving the team forward. If Arsenal are to stand any chance of controlling the tempo, Rice must put in a towering performance.
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Central Midfield: Jorginho
In Thomas Partey’s absence, Jorginho brings European experience and composure. Though not as athletic, the Italian midfielder excels in dictating play with one-touch passes and intelligent positioning.
His job will be to maintain Arsenal’s rhythm in possession and offer stability in midfield transitions. Alongside Rice, Jorginho gives Arsenal a double pivot capable of matching Madrid’s midfield tactically, even if not physically.
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Central Midfield: Martin Ødegaard (Captain)
Captain fantastic, Martin Ødegaard, will lead the side into the Bernabéu—a stadium he once called home, albeit briefly. Now one of the most creative midfielders in Europe, the Norwegian orchestrator will be key to unlocking Real’s defense.
Operating between the lines, Ødegaard will look to combine with Jesus and Martinelli, drift into pockets of space, and press Madrid’s midfield relentlessly when out of possession. His work rate off the ball is as important as his magic on it.
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Right Wing: Reiss Nelson
With Bukayo Saka ruled out due to a hamstring issue, Arteta may turn to Reiss Nelson—a player who has consistently delivered in cameo appearances but rarely starts.
Nelson is quick, direct, and capable of beating defenders, though he lacks Saka’s defensive contributions and tactical understanding. Still, his unpredictability could trouble Madrid’s backline. He’ll be expected to work hard and stretch play when Arsenal transition.
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Left Wing: Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal’s explosive left winger, Gabriel Martinelli, will be licking his lips at the prospect of running at Dani Carvajal or Lucas Vázquez. His pace, dribbling, and pressing intensity make him a nightmare for full-backs.
Arteta may ask Martinelli to play a more direct, counter-attacking role—holding wide to exploit space left behind Madrid’s advancing full-backs. His end product will be under scrutiny, but his ability to carry the ball upfield could relieve immense pressure.
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Striker: Gabriel Jesus
When fit, Gabriel Jesus is Arsenal’s go-to man in Europe. His link-up play, dribbling in tight spaces, and relentless pressing make him perfect for nights like these.
Though he hasn’t been prolific in front of goal, Jesus offers far more than just finishing. His movement can drag defenders out of position, allowing space for Martinelli and Ødegaard to exploit. This game could be the stage for him to remind Europe of his elite pedigree.
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Tactical Setup and Mentality
Arteta will likely deploy a 4-3-3 on paper, but the in-game shape will morph into a 4-2-3-1 when defending and a 3-2-5 when attacking, with Zinchenko inverting and White staying deeper.
Out of possession, expect a mid-block rather than a high press. Arteta knows Madrid thrive on exploiting space, so controlling central areas and staying compact will be priorities.
Offensively, transitions will be key. With the Bernabéu crowd pushing their side forward, Arsenal may find joy hitting on the counter, especially down the flanks.
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Conclusion
Arsenal’s starting XI to face Real Madrid reflects a team that is young, ambitious, and brimming with potential—even if marred by a few injuries. Every player on that pitch knows they are 90 minutes away from a place in the Champions League semi-finals—a feat the club hasn’t achieved since the golden days of Wenger.
The test is enormous. But so is the opportunity.
Arsenal have the talent. The qu
estion now is—do they have the nerve?
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