A big game awaits the Gunners tonight in the Champion League. Arsenal achieved a fantastic result in the first leg, winning 3-0 and producing two memorable free kick goals from Declan Rice. But now they face a tough test in Madrids, as they have to play the return leg at Santiago Bernabeu, while the club decided to close the roof on a renovated stadium, in order to get the better (and louder) atmosphere. Spanish teams in general are not so intimidating when it comes to fans atmosphere so this move was another attempt to get the noise be the best it can, but can it really affect Arsenal players, costumed to the hot English stadium environment?Arsenal try to avoid the trap, as Madrid dream of ‘remontada’For the former Arsenal players who have Spanish origin, this can hardly be a problem for Mikel Arteta‘s men. However, when it comes to Real players, who are not only experienced in these kind of games, but are also motivated by the 3-0 defeat and a possibility to overcome it in front of their own fans, that‘s a different thing. Former legend with over 300 games for Arsenal Cesc Fabregas would like to give support to his former club, but cannot be sure that Real won‘t come back.”I’d like to say it’s a done deal, but Real Madrid is Real Madrid. Having played at the Bernabeu many times, I can say they’re capable of anything, although you have to admit that the advantage going into a match like this is formidable” warned Fabregas.Ready to go again 👊 pic.twitter.com/qGjl297A6E— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 16, 2025 Spanish ‚AS‘ also asked the same question to Nacho Monreal, who played at the Emirates for six seasons.”I don’t know to what extent the Bernabeu atmosphere will intimidate Arsenal players, who have experience and have seen many battles. On a sporting level, we all know very well what Madrid has achieved in that stadium, but the data and statistics indicate that overcoming a result like that against a great team will be very complicated” warned the Navarrese.A major blow – Arsenal without their African star against Real Madrid?And finally they asked another Bernabeu veteran and Mikel Merino‘s father Miguel about his opinion.”Containing the expected Madrid surge at the start of the match, spurred on by the atmosphere, could be decisive for Arsenal. If they emerge unscathed from this potential siege, they could have a lot to gain. Arteta’s plan won’t change, and he’ll try to play the same way he did in London. Despite the strong result, they’ll try to press high, win possession quickly, and maintain possession. That’s their style. It’s obvious they’ll take risks with Madrid’s quick transitions, but their defensive strength can counteract Real Madrid’s great attacking potential. We can’t take the tie for granted, far from it, and I think we’ll see a very open game with chances for both sides” he said.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – QUARTER-FINALSSecond legTuesdayAston Villa – PSG 3-2 (1-2)/Tielemans 34, McGinn 55, Konsa 57 – Hakimi 11, Mendes 27/Dortmund – Barcelona 3-1 (1-0)/Guirassy 11 pen, 49, 76 – Bensebaini 54 (og)/Wednesday22:00: (2.70) Inter (3.65) Bayern (2.60)22:00: (1.75) Real Madrid (3.90) Arsenal (5.10)***odds are subject to change***UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE – QUARTER-FINALSSecond legThursday22:00: (1.38) Ath.Bilbao (4.70) Rangers (8.50)22:00: (2.35) Eintr.Frankfurt (3.50) Tottenham (2.95)22:00: (1.42) Lazio (4.50) Bodo (7.75)22:00: (1.70) Man.Utd. (3.85) Olympique Lyon (5.00)***odds are subject to change***
