Line-ups confirmed as Modric misses out but Saka starts
Real Madrid have left veteran Luka Modric on the bench as they chase a famous Champions League comeback against Arsenal.
The Gunners won the first leg 3-0 but nobody can touch Real’s record of 15 Champions League titles.
Here’s how the sides line up in Madrid.
Real Madrid team news
Ever-versatile Lucas Vazquez starts at right-back and captains the side with Jude Bellingham at the heart of a midfield three.
Bellingham is playing his 47th Champions League game – the most by a player aged 21 or under alongside another Real legend in Iker Casillas.
Real have amazingly never beaten Arsenal. Is this the night?
📋✅ Our starting XI!
🆚 @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/TD5jcRhpvQ— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 16, 2025
Real XI: Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, Lucas Vázquez, Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo
Arsenal team news
Midfielder Mikel Merino again leads the line up front for Arsenal, fresh from his fine goal in the first leg. Can Declan Rice shine again?
Bukayo Saka being fresh enough to start is another boost as the Gunners look to make it into the last four against PSG.
⚫️ 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🔴
🧱 Kiwior partners Saliba
⚡️Saka on the wing
🪄 Merino up topLet’s give it everything we’ve got, Gunners ✊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 16, 2025
