Real Madrid will face Arsenal tomorrow in a decisive clash that will determine which team advances to the semifinals of the 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League.
The Spanish giants will be without several key players due to injuries: Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão, and Dani Carvajal, all defenders, will miss the game. Additionally, Eduardo Camavinga is suspended and will not feature in the lineup.
Arsenal, on the other hand, also faces a significant injury crisis. Ben White (defender), Jorginho (midfielder), Gabriel Magalhães (defender), Gabriel Jesus (forward), Kai Havertz (forward), and Thomas Partey (midfielder) are all sidelined and unavailable for selection.
Pundits have highlighted that Real Madrid has never beaten Arsenal in any of their previous five encounters. With the Gunners having dominated the first leg with a stunning 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium, history could repeat itself—especially considering the manner in which Arsenal humbled Los Blancos, the record 15-time Champions League winners.
Overturning a 3-0 deficit will be a Herculean task for Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, but the home crowd will be hoping for a miraculous comeback.
Meanwhile, the red card shown to Kylian Mbappé in the weekend match against Alavés will not affect his eligibility for tomorrow’s fixture against Arsenal.
Will Real Madrid stage a dramatic return at the Bernabéu to secure a place in the 2025 Champions League semifinals? Time will tell.
– Shile Akinniran
15/04/2025