The UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg between Real Madrid and Arsenal is set for Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 20:00 BST (21:00 CET), taking place at the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid.
This highly anticipated clash follows Arsenal’s commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium on April 8, 2025, where two free-kicks from Declan Rice and a goal from Mikel Merino gave the Gunners a significant advantage.
Match Overview
- Date & Time: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 20:00 BST / 21:00 CET
- Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
- Competition: UEFA Champions League Quarter-final, Second Leg
- First Leg Result: Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid
- Next Round: Winner faces Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa in the semi-finals
Key Facts
- Arsenal’s 3-0 first-leg win equals their biggest victory against a Spanish team in the European Cup/Champions League and extends their unbeaten run in the competition to seven matches (6 wins, 1 draw).
- Real Madrid have a strong home record in the Champions League, having won 18 of their last 23 home matches and previously winning seven quarter-final ties against English clubs.
- Arsenal have never conceded a goal to Real Madrid in European competition, remaining unbeaten in three encounters (2 wins, 1 draw).
- Real Madrid’s hopes of a comeback hinge on their home fortress and the quality of their squad, despite the three-goal deficit being a huge challenge.
Predicted Line-ups
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Fede Valverde (likely at right-back), Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba
- Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni (returning from suspension), Dani Ceballos (if fit), Luka Modrić or Valverde in midfield
- Attacking Midfielders: Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior
- Forward: Kylian Mbappé (available despite recent red card suspension in La Liga)
- Suspended: Eduardo Camavinga
- Players at risk of suspension: Éder Militão, Endrick, Lucas Vázquez, Modrić, Rüdiger, Vinícius Júnior
Arsenal (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: David Raya
- Defenders: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly
- Midfielders: Thomas Partey (fit after recent niggle), Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard
- Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli
- Injured: Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Takehiro Tomiyasu
- Doubtful: Jorginho (did not travel for second leg)
What to Expect
Real Madrid will be desperate to overturn the three-goal deficit in front of their passionate home crowd. Their recent La Liga form has been mixed, but they have the quality and experience to cause problems for Arsenal if the visitors are not careful early on.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will look to maintain their disciplined defensive shape and exploit counter-attacks, relying on their unbeaten momentum in the Champions League and the confidence from their dominant first-leg performance.
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between the holders and 15-time Champions League winners Real Madrid and the resilient Arsenal side aiming for only their third-ever semi-final appearance.
How to Watch
- UK: discovery+, TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate
- USA: Paramount+, TUDN, Univision NOW
- Canada: DAZN Canada
- Fans should check local UEFA Champions League broadcast partners for availability.
This second leg at the Bernabéu is a pivotal moment in the 2024-25 Champions League season. Will Real Madrid’s historic home power be enough to stage a comeback, or will Arsenal’s commanding lead and defensive solidity see them through to the semi-finals? The football world will be watching closely on April 16.