UCL remontada or repeat? Real Madrid host Arsenal needing a miracle
Arsenal enter the second leg with a significant advantage, having secured a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium.
Declan Rice's exceptional performance, including two free-kick goals, was pivotal in establishing this lead. Mikel Merino added the third, leaving the 15-time UCL winners stunned.
Real Madrid face a daunting task to overturn the deficit.
Midfielder Jude Bellingham emphasised the team's focus on a "remontada," highlighting the club's history of comebacks in the Champions League.
However, the team will be without key players such as Eduardo Camavinga following his red card in the first leg, as well as injured players, Eder Militao, Andriy Lunin and Ferland Mendy.
Arsenal also contends with injuries to several players, including Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jorginho and Riccardo Calafiori. There are also doubts over the availability of Thomas Partey and Ben White.
Key Players to Watch
Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappe has 7 goals and 21 shots on target in the Champions League this season.
Arsenal: Declan Rice has been instrumental in midfield, while goalkeeper David Raya boasts six UCL clean sheets, including one against Los Blancos.
With a three-goal cushion, Arsenal aim to maintain their lead and advance to the semifinals.
Real Madrid, known for their resilience in European competitions, will look to leverage their home advantage and experience to mount a comeback.
