Arsenal and Real Madrid clash in London for the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. Both sit second in their domestic leagues, but in Europe, Madrid plays in a league of its own.
The Spanish giants are chasing their 16th title in Europe’s most prestigious club tournament, while the English side has never won it. Kickoff at the Emirates Stadium is set for Tuesday, April 8, at 3 p.m. ET.
Here is my Arsenal vs. Real Madrid prediction and Champions League odds for today's match.
Arsenal vs. Real Madrid: Odds, Prediction, Pick
| Real Madrid Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 -160 | 2.5 115o / -145u | +225 |
| Arsenal Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 +115 | 2.5 115o / -145u | +125 |
- Arsenal vs. Real Madrid moneyline odds: Arsenal +125, Draw +225, Real Madrid +225
- Arsenal vs. Real Madrid over/under: 2.5 goals (+115o, -145u)
- Arsenal vs. Real Madrid pick: Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals
Arsenal's Prediction Against Real Madrid
Mikel Arteta’s side is 11 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool—a gap too wide to realistically dream of a comeback. Reaching the Champions League semifinals, a stage they haven’t seen since 2009, is a feat more within their grasp.
At home, they’ll need to push for a result, knowing how tough the return leg will be next week at the Santiago Bernabéu. That said, their 9–3 aggregate win over PSV in the Round of 16 proved they’re a gritty team both at home and away.
The big news is the full recovery of Bukayo Saka, along with the returns of Ben White and Jurrien Timber in last weekend’s draw with Everton. On the downside, injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhães add to the absences of Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Real Madrid's Prediction Against Arsenal
Last Saturday’s LaLiga loss to Valencia pushed Madrid further behind Barcelona in the title race. It also exposed their imbalance — particularly a defense that hasn’t managed a clean sheet in eight matches.
Despite those issues, Carlo Ancelotti’s team competes on all fronts. In the Champions League, they’ve already eliminated Manchester City and Atlético Madrid and now face another European heavyweight.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois could return after youngster Fran González started the previous match. Aurelien Tchouaméni is suspended, while Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are ruled out due to injury. Ferland Mendy is also unlikely to be fit in time.
Arsenal vs. Real Madrid Pick
The only previous Champions League meeting between these two clubs was in 2006, when Arsenal reached the final for the first (and only) time after knocking out Real Madrid in the Round of 16. Los Blancos, meanwhile, have won 11 of their last 22 knockout ties against English teams.
While history always plays a role, its impact on this match and at this stage should be minimal. Looking at their current form, both teams share defensive weaknesses and attacking depth.
Arsenal once had one of Europe’s most solid backlines, but Gabriel Magalhaes’ injury has left William Saliba as the lone standout. Up front, Saka, Martin Odegaard, Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard offer plenty of versatility.
Similarly, Madrid hasn’t been able to solidify its defense. On the other hand, in attack, they feature Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham—enough firepower to trouble any opponent.
Given all this, the Over 2.5 Goals line looks like a smart pick—along with Both Teams to Score.
