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Team news: Arsenal unchanged from first leg
Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti has made two notable adjustments to the line-up from the first match at Emirates Stadium. Lucas Vazquez and Aurelien Tchouameni take the places of Luka Modric, who is a notable absence, and the suspended Eduardo Camavinga. Consequently, Fede Valverde is set to take on a more central role in the midfield.
As anticipated, Arsenal has opted for consistency, keeping the same starting eleven as the previous encounter.
Real Madrid (4-3-3) Courtois; Lucas Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
Substitutes: Fran Gonzalez, Sergio Mestre, Modric, Arda Guler, Endrick, Vallejo, Dani Ceballos, Fran Garcia, Brahim.
Arsenal (4-3-3) Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.
Substitutes: Neto, Setford, Tierney, White, Zinchenko, Trossard, Sterling, Butler-Oyedeji, Gower, Henry-Francis, Nwaneri, Rosiak.
Referee Francois Letexier.
Mikel Arteta on the challenge awaiting Arsenal
The anticipation among the squad is palpable. We are eager to make history and are committed to establishing ourselves in European competitions. This match presents a significant opportunity for us, and we enter it with confidence.
Preamble
As former Real Madrid player Juanito once expressed, playing at the Bernabéu is no small feat.
In the 1985-86 UEFA Cup semi-final, his team faced a daunting task after losing 3-1 to Internazionale in the first leg. The phrase, “Ninety minutes at the Bernabeu are very long,” resonates in the context of high-stakes matches.
In a dramatic turn, Real Madrid overcame that deficit, delivering a standout performance by defeating the same Inter side 5-1 after extra-time, ultimately claiming the title. This game marked one of several iconic comebacks at the Bernabéu, reinforcing its reputation for dramatic turnarounds, or *remontadas*.
The legacy endures, with modern players like Jude Bellingham drawing on this rich history. Real Madrid has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity for thrilling comebacks, though the club has also experienced moments of uncharacteristic inconsistency.
Historically, the last occasion Real Madrid overturned a significant first-leg deficit—specifically by three or more goals—was during their 1985-86 campaign against Borussia Monchengladbach. Arsenal, meanwhile, will feel confident, as they have not conceded three goals in a match since December 2023, indicating a strong defensive record.
As both teams prepare to clash, the prize on offer is immense—a spot in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009, making the stakes high for both sides.
Kick off set for 8pm.
*Interestingly, the last team to score three goals against Arsenal was Luton Town in a thrilling 4-3 match back in December 2023, marking 79 matches since that occurrence.
Source
www.theguardian.com