Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
As the season approaches its crucial stage, both Arsenal and Real Madrid are contending with notable squad concerns, with coaching staffs still striving to identify consistent line-ups across all positions. At the Emirates, it’s likely that individual quality will be decisive—and Real Madrid clearly hold the upper hand in that department.
Arsenal
While Arsenal are unbeaten in their last seven matches in all competitions, they have secured only three wins during that run. On Saturday, Arsenal were without the injured Gabriel Magalhães, whose absence was evident in the defensive display during a 1:1 draw against Everton. Even with Bukayo Saka returning to the squad, Mikel Arteta still cannot fully depend on the winger’s availability. There is a possibility that the inexperienced Ethan Nwaneri could be handed a start on Tuesday. Over two legs against PSV Eindhoven—a tie they won 9:3 on aggregate—Arsenal allowed a combined 2.86 xGA, which raises some concerns.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s 2:1 loss to Valencia CF on Saturday threatened to derail their title ambitions, but Barcelona also dropped points in a 1:1 draw with Real Betis Balompié. It seems unlikely that Real Madrid will alter their preferred attacking trio: Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham have combined for 17 goals and 7 assists in this Champions League campaign, while Rodrigo Hernández Cascante has proven an effective addition with 5 goals and 2 assists. Real Madrid demonstrated their composure in the tie against Atlético Madrid, prevailing 3:2 on aggregate after a penalty shootout win away from home.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid Prediction
Across their last 15 away fixtures, Real Madrid have suffered just three defeats. Given Arsenal’s current form, even home advantage may not be sufficient to secure a win. The more prudent choice is to back the double chance on the visitors.
