Real Madrid vs Arsenal LIVE: Team information with Gunners on cusp of Champions League semi-finals
Real Madrid host Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg this evening looking to overturn a 3-0 deficit in front of their home fans.
The Gunners won the first leg in London in comprehensive fashion thanks to two goals from free kicks taken by Declan Rice and a third strike from Mikel Merino. Arsenal know that anything but a big defeat will be enough to send them through to the last four stage of the competition where they would face PSG after the French champions defeated Aston Villa yesterday.
Madrid, who are also aiming to catch Barcelona in LaLiga, will not believe they are out of this tie especially with their recent history of overturning losing causes to progress in the Champions League.
Jude Bellingham revealed that the hosts are focused on winning saying: “We believe so. You can’t come into a game like this thinking that there’s going to be anything other than a comeback. That’s the way we’re thinking about the game.”
Follow all the Champions League action with our live blog below:
‘We are confident’
Arsenal’s No.1 goalkeeper, David Raya, spoke about how his teammates are ready for the challenge of beating Real Madrid again tonight.
He said: “We are confident in being able to replicate what we did in the first game, and we’re here to write our own history.
“We face a lot of good players in the Premier League, and we’re ready for this challenge.
“Everyone is always on their toes, no matter who we play.”
Robert Pires: ‘Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat still hurts – it’s a wound that’ll never heal’
Fans, pundits, and club legends are confident they can finish the job. “If Arsenal manage to beat Real Madrid, anything can happen,” Robert Pires, an “Invincible” during his time in north London, says in an exclusive interview with TheIndependent.
What can Real do differently?
Bellingham also explained what Real Madrid need to know in order to get themselves back in this tie.
He said: “We need to show much more than we did in the first leg.
“We need greater commitment and a better understanding of what the game demands, along with more clarity in transitions; so it’s not just one aspect.
“We know we can play much better. It’s one thing to lose, but another not to learn. We have to believe in the team and in our capabilities.”
Real Madrid line-up to face Arsenal
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Lucas Vazquez, Ascensio, Rudiger, Alaba; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
‘It’s a night made for Real Madrid’
Jude Bellingham on what the most repeated word in the Real Madrid dressing room has been this week:
“Comeback.
“I’ve heard it a million times, watched many videos… it motivates us a lot. It’s a night made for Real Madrid. It’s something that people are familiar with, and there’s no need to add anything else.
“We want to add to the club’s history, and [tonight] is a big day for us.”
Jude Bellingham eyes historic Real Madrid comeback against Arsenal
Jude Bellingham is confident Real Madrid can overturn a 3-0 first-leg Champions League deficit against Arsenal on Wednesday to book their place in the last four.
Real were left stunned by the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium last week after Declan Rice scored two outstanding free-kicks to leave Carlo Ancelotti’s side with a mountainous task.
Real Madrid’s Luka Modric buys minority stake in Swansea City
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric appears to be planning for his retirement from football by purchasing a minority stake in Swansea City.
The 39-year-old, whose contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of this season, has taken a non-controlling stake in the Championship side.
Modric has joined shareholders Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, Nigel Morris and businessman Jason Cohen, after the four bought out former majority owners Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan last November.
Modric said: “This is an exciting opportunity. Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to compete at the highest level.”
Can Real Madrid score four goals against Arsenal?
Arsenal have not conceded three times in a match since a 4-3 win against Luton 16 months ago, and they have not lost by a four-goal margin since they suffered a 4-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield in December 2021.
Speaking about beating Madrid, Arteta said: “We have to do it again. And we have to prove it now in this context. And that’s the beauty of it. That’s the challenge and that’s the great thing about sport.
“We’ve shown that we are capable of doing it, and that has to give us reassurance and confidence that we can do it. But now, let’s talk on the pitch, do it on the pitch, and that’s the only thing that matters.”
Arteta on Madrid’s belief in a comeback
“It’s part of their history and they’ve earned the right to talk about these scenarios,” said Arteta when asked about Real Madrid’s focus on still making it through to the semi-finals.
“Our mindset is different in how we have the best chance to be better than them. I think it is exciting. We have never won this competition, and we are trying to do something now where we can dominate.”
‘The emotional aspect is significant’
Arteta expanding on his mindset for tonight’s match and explained: “The emotional aspect is very significant.
“I have a lot of reassurance from what the team has done all season, in positive contexts and in difficult contexts.
“We are going to enjoy playing any kind of game. The mindset is to be brave, to be dominant and have the conviction that we can be better than them and win the game.”
