Arsenal – Real Madrid: the two big official news to know before the clash

The UEFA Champions League quarter-finals return this week, and one of the most anticipated fixtures sees Real Madrid travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on Mikel Arteta’s red-hot Arsenal. With both clubs aiming for continental glory, the build-up to Tuesday’s clash is charged with tension, emotion, and two major official updates that set the tone for what promises to be a footballing spectacle.

First, the refereeing team has been confirmed. Bosnian referee Irfan Peljto will take charge of the match, while German Bastian Dankert will monitor proceedings from the VAR booth. UEFA’s decision to hand this high-stakes battle to an international officiating team speaks volumes about the magnitude of the contest.

On the Madrid side, the second piece of major news centers around Carlo Ancelotti’s official squad list. Released shortly after the team’s Sunday training session, the list carries a mix of relief and concern for Madridistas. The most significant headline is the return of Thibaut Courtois, the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, who has been sidelined due to muscle discomfort. After over two weeks out of action, the Belgian shot-stopper is ready to reclaim his place between the sticks—just in time for one of the most crucial games of the season.

However, it’s not all good news for Los Blancos. Andriy Lunin, who was recently in excellent form and had taken over during Courtois’ absence, is missing due to an injury sustained in the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad. His omission from the squad limits Ancelotti’s goalkeeping options.

In defense, Ferland Mendy joins the likes of Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal on the injury list. While Carvajal and Militão have been out for an extended period, Mendy’s absence narrows Ancelotti’s options at left-back, potentially forcing a reshuffle that could affect Real’s balance when tracking Arsenal’s wide men.

The midfield, a department usually brimming with options, is not spared either. Dani Ceballos has not fully recovered from his physical issues, and Aurélien Tchouaméni is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. That suspension particularly hurts, as Tchouaméni’s defensive stability and ball progression could have been instrumental in breaking up Arsenal’s high-tempo attacks.

Nevertheless, Madrid still boasts a robust midfield unit with the likes of Luka Modrić, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and rising star Arda Güler all available. Güler, in particular, has been showing increasing maturity and might be handed a critical role if Ancelotti needs to unlock Arsenal’s defense with creativity from deeper areas.

The attack, thankfully, remains untouched. All the usual suspects—Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, and Joselu—are fit and raring to go. An interesting addition is young striker Gonzalo, who has been impressing for Castilla with a flurry of goals. His inclusion signals that Ancelotti is keeping an eye on youthful hunger amidst the pressure of the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have their own injury concerns. While they remain a formidable unit under Arteta, they’ll be without several key defenders. That could tilt the tactical battle in Real’s favor, especially if Vinícius and Rodrygo can exploit Arsenal’s flanks with their pace and trickery.

Ahead of the trip to London, Federico Valverde gave an emotional interview to UEFA’s official channel. The Uruguayan spoke passionately about what it means to wear the Real Madrid shirt, especially on Champions League nights. “The shirt makes you bigger and stronger. All the pain in your legs disappears when you walk out onto the pitch and hear the anthem,” Valverde said. His words capture the spirit of Real Madrid—a club that breathes European competition.

On his personal ambition, Valverde admitted that nothing compares to winning the Champions League for the first time. But he emphasized that the hunger remains. “The first was magical. We’ll always remember it. But we still want more—we want to keep making history,” he said.

That desire to create history may be Madrid’s biggest motivation heading into this quarter-final. With La Liga seemingly slipping away from their grasp, the Champions League represents Real Madrid’s best shot at major silverware this season—alongside the Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona later this month.

Ancelotti, a manager who thrives on these nights, knows exactly what it takes to win in Europe. But he also knows that Arsenal, revitalized and tactically astute under Arteta, are no pushovers. This tie could very well come down to moments—moments of brilliance, of resilience, of individual magic.

Real Madrid fans are looking toward Jude Bellingham, the English starlet who returns to his home country with the opportunity to dazzle on one of the grandest stages. Bellingham’s presence adds an extra layer of intrigue and story to this already fascinating battle between the old kings of Europe and a club desperate to return to the throne.

This tie, rich in history and quality, promises fireworks. With both clubs hampered by key absences but driven by burning ambition, the Emirates is set for a clash worthy of Champions League lore.

And if history has taught us anything, it’s this: never count out Real Madrid when the Champions League anthem starts playing.