Arsenal hoping to take an advantage back to the Bernabeu
Arsenal take on Real Madrid tomorrow in North London in the 1st leg of the Uefa Champions League. Both teams have not had the season but will hope to end it on a high note by securing a place in the semis.This will also be the first time these two teams have met since 2006 and the second time in history ever. A Real Madrid side that has suffered with structural issues will hope to get the best of an injury struck Arsenal side.
UCL the only hope for Arsenal
Arsenal take on Real Madrid in the #UCL@MikeLahoud and @TMeola1 break down what to expect from both teams 🌟 pic.twitter.com/IqJGJ3mcda
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 7, 2025
Arsenal are practically out of the premier league and fa cup and the Champions League proves to be their last hope. They know they will have to do what is considered impossible in most spectators eyes and defeat the kings of Europe.
Their squad plagued by injuries does not make it any easier for them to do so. With injuries in their attack Arteta has been forced to switch things up and go with Merino as a false 9. Merino as a false 9 was something that Arteta needed to work out as the spaniard is usually a centre midfielder.This has proved to be a success so far as he has netted five times in eight games.
There is one positive that Arsenal can look towards and that is having Saka back who was out for three months. However they will be concerns about his fitness considering that he just recently came back from injury.
Can Arteta’s tactics overcome a vulnerable Madrid
he’s leading arsenal to their first UCL trophy whether you like it or not. https://t.co/FBXQCTKMgg pic.twitter.com/xzAOEJ8PlB
— A ☝🏻 (@whualfie_) April 7, 2025
If there is any encouragement for Arsenal it is that Los Blancos have not been at their best this season. This is something the likes of Martinelli, Merino and Saka can exploit. The gunners had lacked creativity but with Saka back they certainly will get some of that spark back. Two things that are for sure and that is Arsenal have the better midfield and will most likely control the middle of the park. Real Madrid are yet to find a solution for a well balanced midfield and Arsenal could use that to try and create chances.
Real Madrid hoping to expose Arsenal’s injuries in defense
Arsenal vs Real Madrid. #UCL pic.twitter.com/GayEXcdDCf
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 13, 2025
Real Madrid head into north london coming off of a defeat on the weekend against Valencia. Things have not proved to get any easier for Los Blancos and have often found themselves vulnerable in defense. Duro’s goal over the weekend highlighted their defensive vulnerability as he was unmarked and was able to head past Gonzalez. Real Madrid could however use the fact that Arsenal have several injuries in defense and their attack could fancy that opportunity.
Madrid could expose Arsenal on the counter
Only Real Madrid could be this calm before a UCL KO game. pic.twitter.com/nxNRa5ZO2T
— KM (@Kylian) April 7, 2025
Real Madrid will however have the chance to counter attack once they steal the ball back from Arsenal trying to maintain possession.
This could prove to be the difference as Los Blancos have fast attackers and who know how to transiton quickly. If Arsenal are caught off guard or disorganized in defense it could see the likes of Vini Jr and Mbappe have a one on one chance with Raya.
The loss of Mendy who was a regular starter at left back has seen Ancelotti be forced to experiment with Alaba as left back. Alaba knows how to make a pass and can give Los Merengues a more solid shape.
