UEFA Champions League Preview and Pick: Arsenal vs Real Madrid

The Santiago Bernabéu is preparing for another unforgettable European night, and this time the stakes couldn’t be higher. Real Madrid, trailing 3-0 from the first leg, face a mammoth ‘remontada’ mission. They welcome Arsenal to the Spanish capital in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday night. For Carlo Ancelotti’s men, it’s win big or go home. History tells us not to count out Los Blancos under the lights in Madrid.

A Mountain to Climb for the Holders

Real Madrid’s trip to the Emirates last week turned into a north London nightmare. The reigning European champions were thoroughly outclassed in a 3-0 defeat. Not only did they fail to register a goal, but they were also overrun in midfield and exposed defensively. This is rare for a team that’s made the Champions League their playground for years. It was only the fifth time in their storied history that Madrid lost a UCL knockout first leg by three or more goals. The bad news? They’ve been eliminated in four of those five instances. The good news? The one comeback came against an English side, Derby County, in 1975-76.

With the return leg at the Bernabéu, however, the outlook changes. This is a stadium built on comebacks. Just ask Manchester City. Ask Chelsea. Real Madrid thrive on adversity, drama, and magic when the Champions League anthem echoes through the rafters.

Los Blancos have scored in every Champions League home match since December 2018. They will undoubtedly go for the jugular from the very first moment when French referee Francois Letexier blows his whistle.

However, they’ve also conceded in their last 10 UCL home matches. This is a vulnerability that Arsenal’s pacey front line will be keen to exploit. Real Madrid’s need to attack will leave gaps. If Arsenal can survive the initial onslaught, they’ll find joy on the counter.

Mbappe will certainly be Madrid’s biggest hope. His explosive pace and ability to turn a game on its head make him a prime candidate for a match-defining moment. This time, he’ll be out to silence any remaining doubts after an underwhelming first leg.

Carlo Ancelotti will be without Eduardo Camavinga (suspended), Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao (long-term knee injuries). Ferland Mendy and Andriy Lunin remain doubtful. Auréeien Tchouameni returns from suspension and should slot straight into midfield. Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Jr. are expected to be fully fit after weekend rest. The spotlight will be on Kylian Mbappe, still seeking his first free-kick goal.

Arsenal’s Dream European Run

Arsenal arrive in Madrid with history in their sights. The Gunners, inspired by an electric home performance, now have one foot in a first Champions League semi-final since 2009. Their 3-0 masterclass at the Emirates was nothing short of extraordinary. This is especially considering key absentees like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Magalhaes. Mikel Merino, filling in as an emergency striker, scored a stunning third goal to cap the night.

Declan Rice, who showed off his own set-piece prowess with two sublime free-kick goals, dictated the tempo. Additionally, Bukayo Saka and skipper Martin Odegaard were constant threats. A rotated side could only draw 1-1 against Brentford in the Premier League at the weekend, but Arsenal remain unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions. They have scored in each of their last eight matches.

That said, keeping Madrid quiet in their own fortress will require a defensive performance for the ages.

Meanwhile, experienced midfielder Jorginho is ruled out with a chest injury, but Thomas Partey is available. Timber returns to the lineup. Arteta remains without injured Gabriel Magalhaes, Tomiyasu, Calafiori, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus. Despite the significant number of absences, Arteta has enough firepower and youthful energy to test Madrid’s leaky backline.

Possible Starting Lineups of Real Madrid and Arsenal

Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois – Federico Valverde, Nacho Fernandez, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba – Aurelien Tchouameni, Luka Modric – Rodrygo Goes, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior – Kylian Mbappe. (4-2-3-1)

Arsenal: David Raya – Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly – Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice – Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli. (4-3-3)

Spooky Express Betting Prediction

The Champions League is where legends are made, and betting value often lies in chaos. Real Madrid are kings of chaos.

Real Madrid to win and Over 2.5 Goals in the Match (+155) is a standout pick. Ancelotti’s side must score at least three to have a chance. With their Champions League pedigree at home, that urgency should translate into goals. Arsenal, meanwhile, are likely to score too. This boosts the chances of a high-scoring thriller.

Another excellent value is Kylian Mbappe to score anytime (+100). With everything on the line, expect the French superstar to show up in style. This is especially true against an Arsenal defense that may bend under pressure in the cauldron of the Bernabéu.

SpookyExpress’ Verdict: Combining Mbappe to score anytime with Real Madrid to win and Over 2.5 Goals (both available at EveryGame) offers an exciting and realistic multi-angle bet. If Madrid are to achieve the miracle, they’ll need their marquee man to deliver and goals to flow. If Arsenal spoil the party, it’s likely to come in a high-scoring affair too.

Spooky Express Free Play: Real Madrid Win and Over 2.5 Match Goals +155 at EveryGame for 5/10 Units

Spooky Express Free Play 2: Kylian Mbappe Anytime Goalscorer +100 at EveryGame for 5/10 Units