Soccer faithful hope for a Champions League classic in North London, but given what's at stake they might need to wait for the return leg of the Arsenal vs. Real Madrid clash to be heavily entertained.
Arsenal are desperate for continental glory, as Real Madrid, the ultimate symbol of Champions League success, come visiting. It should be a fierce battle between two fantastic sides, but I don't expect goals galore at the Emirates for a number of reasons.
See why in my Arsenal v Real Madrid predictions and free betting picks for Tuesday, April 8.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid picks and predictions
My best bet: Under 2.5 goals (-132 at TonyBet)
My analysis
Arsenal have become a more pragmatic side this season and their football is not as flamboyant as it used to be under manager Mikel Arteta. They are second in the Premier League standings, as ever over the past three seasons and there's a sense of frustration among the fans. City is not there to beat them to the English crown anymore, as was the case in 2023 and 2024, but Liverpool took the honor. Arsenal are 11 points behind and will probably end another campaign as runners-up.
European success could surely change moods inside the team and in the stands as well. But it's Real Madrid who Arsenal are facing in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and that's the biggest of tests they could take right now.
Arsenal are fresh from a 1-1 away draw against Everton, having narrowly beaten Fulham (2-1) and Chelsea (1-0) in the past two Premier League games. They aren't showing anything special at the moment, but never underestimate what a Champions League could do to your form. Arsenal's last big European result was the 7-1 crushing of PSV Eindhoven in the Round of 16, at the beginning of March, but Real Madrid is different caliber. Arsenal seem to have lost energy over the past few weeks and that translated into defeats against Newcastle and West Ham, as well as draws in front of Nottingham Forest, Man United, and Everton.
Real Madrid are not at their best either. In the two games they were involved in this April, the Champions League winners of 2024 played a spectacular 4-4 draw over 120 minutes with Real Sociedad in the Cup, then lost 2-1 to relegation-threatened Valencia at the Bernabeu on Saturday. Barcelona are now the big favorites in the La Liga title race, enjoying a four-point lead with eight games left to play.
But the Champions League is "their" competition, having won it 15 times. Real Madrid knows how to up their game on European nights, finding hidden resources and delivering over and over again. The focus is on obtaining access into the semi-finals, so, also given their form, both teams might opt to leave it for the Bernabeu to settle it out.
I will avoid the moneyline in this game and opt for goals instead. At -132 via TonyBet, I see the Under 2.5 goals as a more than decent option.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 2.5
Kylian Mbappe 2+ shots on goal
Martin Odegaard 72+ passes
Of all the players involved in this Champions League season, Kylian Mbappe recorded the highest number of shots on target. From his 46 attempts, 25 were on target. Mbappe sits ahead of Harry Kane (22), Erling Haaland, and Serhou Guirassy (both 19). The Frenchman's average is 2.08 shots on target per game, so numbers are backing our attempts for this parlay.
We're also counting on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and his distribution skills to round up our SGP return nicely. The Norwegian attempted 263 passes in his seven Champions League outings this season. He was limited to five starts because of medical problems but he is now fully fit for the Real Madrid matchup. Arteta will count on him to dictate the rhythm of Arsenal's attacks and he should be made visible by his teammates. Odegaard is always capable of delivering a killer pass. Arsenal's balls should look out for him in midfield.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Arsenal vs Real Madrid odds
Arsenal vs Real Madrid live odds
Arsenal vs Real Madrid opening odds
- Moneyline: Arsenal +133 | Real Madrid +229
- Draw: +235
- Over/Under: Over 2.5 (+112) | Under 2.5 (-132)
Arsenal vs Real Madrid side and Over/Under analysis
- There were more than 1.5 goals scored in 13 of Real Madrid's previous 15 games.
- Real Madrid have won 11 of their previous 22 knockout games against English opposition in the UEFA Champions League
How to watch Arsenal vs Real Madrid
| Location | Emirates Stadium, London, UK |
| Date | Tuesday, 4-8-2025 |
| Time | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Paramount+ |
| Weather | Sunny and dry conditions. |
Arsenal vs Real Madrid key injuries
Arsenal: Riccardo Calafiori CB (Out), Gabriel Magalhaes CB (Out), Raheem Sterling LW (Out), Kai Havertz FW (Out), Gabriel Jesus ST (Out).
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois GK (Questinable), Dani Carvajal RB (Out), Eder Militao CB (Out), Ferland Mendy LB (Out), Aurelien Tchouameni CM (Out), Dani Ceballos CM (Out).
Not intended for use in MA.
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