Arsenal vs Real Madrid: Preview and Betting Tips | UCL 2025

These clubs are meeting for the first time in 19 years. Los Blancos lost on Saturday in La Liga but they won on their last trip to England.

Match: Arsenal vs Real Madrid
When: Tuesday, 07 April 2025, 21:00
Where: Emirates Stadium

Arsenal Form

The Gunners have fallen out of the league title race after dropping too many cheap points. They lost 1-0 at home to West Ham and could only draw 0-0 at Nottingham Forest. They beat PSV 7-1 in the Champions League before dropping more points in a 1- draw at Man Utd.

After drawing 2-2 vs PSV to secure a 9-3 aggregate win, they beat Chelsea 1-0 and Fulham 2-1 in league matches to get back on track. However, that proved a false dawn as Saturday saw a 1-1 draw at Everton having led 1-0.

Arsenal Team News

Arsenal remain without Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in attack. Bukayo Saka should be fit enough to return to the starting XI after two substitute outings.

Takehiro Tomiyasu and Riccardo Calafiori are set to be absent in defence and Gabriel has had hamstring surgery. That is a massive blow for the Gunners. Jakub Kiwior could therefore partner William Saliba at centre back.

Arsenal Motivation

With the league title all but gone, full attention can go on the Champions League. The motivation to win this first leg will be very high.

The Gunners won’t play an open game, especially without Gabriel. Expect a measured approach with a big onus on set pieces and protecting any lead.

Real Madrid Form

Los Blancos have suffered a few poor results of late. Their last eight matches have seen three defeats. A 2-1 loss at Real Betis in La Liga was followed by a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. After beating Real Vallecano 2-1, they lost 1-0 to Atletico Madrid in the second leg but progressed on penalties.

After two league wins, they drew 4-4 against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey to reach the final, 5-4 on aggregate. On Saturday, they leaked a 95th-minute goal to lose 2-1 at home to Valencia in La Liga despite putting up 3.47 xG and outshooting their opponents 21-10.

Real Madrid Team News

Carlo Ancelotti is without Dani Carvajal at right back and Eder Militao in the heart of defence. Ferland Mendy is a major doubt and has no more than a 30% chance of being fit.

Dani Ceballos is back in training to boost midfield ahead of this tie whilst Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended. Thibault Courtois has travelled after a knock and is set to play in goal.

Real Madrid Motivation

Real Madrid will play their usual game. They will sit off Arsenal and look to use their speed on the counter.

Ancelotti is a pragmatic coach and would take a first leg draw. Confidence would be high of winning the second leg in Spain.

Key Stats

Arsenal have drawn 4 of their last 7 matches

Arsenal are unbeaten in 10 home UCL matches (8 clean sheets)

Real Madrid have lost 3 of their last 8 matches

Real Madrid’s Mbappe has scored 23 goals in his last 27 matches

Verdict

The Gunners have a solid defence but the loss of Gabriel is a huge blow. Real Madrid have the savvy to leave the Emirates with a score draw.

Best Bet: Draw at 3.15
Alternate Bet: Real Madrid win/draw double chance + Over 1.5 goals at 2.35
Anytime Goalscorer Tips: Mbappe at 2.70 or Saka at 3.55