Arsenal welcome Real Madrid in the last 8 of this season’s UEFA Champions League in a “David and Goliath” fight for a place in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.
Los Blancos progressed into the quarter-final after knocking out eternal rival, Atletico Madrid, in the second round via a seemingly controversial penalty shootout.
Arsenal blew out Eredivisie side PSV, 9-3 on aggregate after the first leg ended 7-1, one of the Gunners’ biggest wins in a European competition.
Real Madrid are the favorites to win and progress into the next round, not just because of being the defending champions, but also the overwhelming quality in their personnel.
However, Arsenal, despite being underdogs, can rely on some factors to create an upset ahead of the blockbuster fixture at the Emirates.
1. Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium is a fortress
The Emirates Stadium is Arsenal’s fortress in the UEFA Champions League. Arsenal rarely lose when they play in front of their home fans in the competition. Mikel Arteta’s are undefeated at the Emirates Stadium since they returned to the competition last season. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 10 matches (8w and 2d) when they play at home. The Gunners will hope to continue this record when they host Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, and a host of other Galacticos on Tuesday night.
2. Familiarity with Spanish Oppositions
Arsenal are the type that crack under pressure when they face Spanish oppositions, especially in European competitions. The Gunners have quite a healthy record against teams from La Liga. The Gunners have won five of their last seven matches against teams from Spain. Arsenal also have a fantastic record against tomorrow’s opposition. The last two meetings between Arsenal and Real Madrid ended in one win and a draw for the Gunners in the 2005/2006 quarter-finals stage of the competition. The first leg ended 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu while the second ended in a stalemate.
3. Bukayo Saka Factor
The return of Bukayo Saka is a big boost for the Gunners. The English winger has been injured for three months but marked his return to action with a goal in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Alex Iwobi’s Fulham on Tuesday. Bukayo Saka has been vital in Arsenal’s Champions League this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists in five matches. Saka will look to take advantage of Real Madrid’s leaky defense and help the Gunners upset Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
