Champions League 2024-2025, Real Madrid-Arsenal: the likely lineups.

Wednesday, April 16, at 9 p.m., the return match between Real Madrid and Arsenal will be staged at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid. The Gunners come to the match with Real Madrid after another misstep in the Premier League, but in the first leg the Mikel Arteta-led team knocked Real Madrid out with a 3-0 blank.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team, on the other hand, comes to the quarterfinal return after beating Alaves 1-0 in the league. A very difficult match for the Blancos, who will have to try to recover the three-goal disadvantage they suffered at the Emirates Stadium in London.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid is expected to show up with a 4-2-3-1. Between the posts should see Courtois again, now recovered and ready to provide solidity. In defense, room for Asencio and Alaba on the outsides, with Tchouameni adapted centrally next to Rudiger, for a possibly atypical rearguard. In the median, Valverde and Ceballos. Rodrygo, Bellingham and Vinicius are expected to act behind Mbappé.

Arteta’s Arsenal, on the other hand, should respond with the usual 4-3-3. Between the posts, Raya should retain the starting jersey, while the defensive line could consist of Timber and Lewis-Skelly on the flanks, with Saliba and former Serie A center Kiwior. In the middle of the field, the Odegaard-Thomas-Rice trio should take the field. Up front, Saka and Martinelli are expected to start wide with Merino a false nine, in an unusual capacity.

Probable lineups

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Asencio, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Alaba; Valverde, Ceballos; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé. Coach: Carlo Ancelotti

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard , Thomas, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli. Coach: Mikel Arteta

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